CYPRESS, Calif., May 7, 2003 - Building on the success of last year's introduction into the candy aisle, Bandai Creation, a division of Bandai America Inc., unveils its new line of Power Rangers interactive candy at the All Candy Expo in Chicago next week. Partnering with Chupa Chups lollipops, Bandai will introduce an assortment of Power Rangers Ninja Storm lollipop holders modeled after the Power Rangers and Megazords from this year's exciting toyline and television series on ABC and ABC Family.
Three different series of Power Rangers candy products will be sold at supermarkets, candy shops, toy retailers and drugstores nationwide adding to the brand's ubiquity. With a Power Rangers action figure found in one out of every five U.S. households, Bandai's 2003 toy lineup includes new action figures, zords, playsets, vehicles and role play items, and introduces Power Rangers into new toy categories, such as die cast vehicles and collectible trading cards.
"With our success as a new player in the candy industry last year and the continued popularity of the Power Rangers brand, Bandai America is excited to expand our efforts in the candy category," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Bandai America Inc. "This year's line of Power Rangers candy lets children enjoy a popular candy while playing with their favorite Power Ranger."
Encouraging children to play, each interactive candy comes in the form of a Chupa Chups lollipop holder. This year's Power Rangers candy products include:
Ninja Storm Power Pops Candy
Red, Blue and Yellow Wind Power Rangers, and the Crimson and Navy Thunder Power Rangers of the Ninja Storm series are featured as lollipop holders with helmets that slide back to reveal a Chupa Chups pop. Suggested retail price: $1.99
Ninja Storm Pull-Back Karts Candy
New for 2003, these Red, Blue, Yellow, Crimson and Navy Power Rangers can zoom around in their Ninja Storm karts while doubling as a Chupa Chups lollipop holder. Suggested retail price: $2.99
Ninja Storm Mega-Pop Megazords Candy
Modeled after the Action Megazords, a Chupa Chups lollipop is revealed by pushing a button on the chests of the Power or Lightning Megazords. Suggested retail price: $3.99.
Gearing up for next month's Licensing Show in New York, Bandai America Inc. is looking to acquire other licensed properties to expand its top-notch line of toys and candy. Currently, Bandai America Inc. is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties in toys and entertainment for kids, including Power Rangers, Gundam, Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake.
About Bandai America
Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.
Bandai America Inc. is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Digimon, Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at bandai.com.
