28 Jun L’origine fascinante de Chupa Chups

Chupa Chups, the famous lollipop, is one of the most iconic sweets in the world and one that we often use in our Spanish classes in Strasbourg. Its history, however, is as interesting as the candy itself. It all began in the 1950s with a Catalan visionary named Enric Bernat. In 1957, this young Barcelonan observed children and realized something fundamental: candies were not designed for them. Children, the main consumers of these sweets, experienced difficulties eating them. Thus, Bernat had a brilliant idea that would revolutionize the confectionery market: put a stick on them. This is how the iconic Chupa Chups was born.

Enric Bernat’s inspiration

Enric Bernat, born in Barcelona, inherited the company Granja Asturias, where apple-based products were initially produced. Observing how children got their hands dirty while eating candies, Bernat had a revolutionary idea: a candy that could be held without getting dirty. Inspired by his own experience and mothers’ complaints, he thought of a candy that could be eaten with a stick, something children could suck on without getting dirty.

One of the distinctive features of Chupa Chups is its stick with a small hole. This design is not a coincidence but a practical solution. The hole allows the candy to adhere firmly to the stick during the manufacturing process, ensuring it doesn’t fall off while being consumed. Additionally, using less material in the stick makes it more economical to produce.

The idea of putting a stick on the candy changed everything. Initially, Bernat called his creation “GOL” (“Goal”), due to its ball shape. However, this name did not achieve the expected acceptance. Persistent and visionary, Bernat decided to rename the product “Chups,” which eventually evolved into “Chupa Chups,” inspired by a radio commercial repeating the slogan “Suck a sweet candy, suck, suck, suck a Chups”. This change not only defined the product’s name but also its identity.

The success was immediate. Parents perceived Chupa Chups as a quality product and convenient to consume. In 1960, the popularity of these candies was such that 4,500 kg were sold in a single day, distributed throughout Spain via a network of small labeled Seat 600 cars.

A logo for History

In 1969, Enric Bernat decided it was time to internationalize the brand. For this, he needed a unique and unforgettable logo. With the goal of creating an exclusive design, Bernat hired the legendary artist Salvador Dalí. In just one hour, Dalí created a design that would mark several generations, becoming the face of Chupa Chups worldwide. Dalí’s design, with its vibrant yellow daisy, remains the official logo to this day.

Chupa Chups’ expansion was impressive. From Spain, the brand moved to France, where by 1970, over 160 million units were sold annually. Then came England, Germany, and the United States. In 1970, 90% of Chupa Chups production was sold in Spain. Ten years later, 93% was marketed outside the country.

A candy in space

Chupa Chups became such a popular product that even Russian cosmonauts took it to the Mir space station in 1995, becoming the first candy consumed in space. This achievement symbolizes not only the product’s popularity but also its ability to transcend borders and reach unexpected places.

When Chupa Chups was introduced in China, Enric Bernat, always with a unique vision, commented: “We have always seen the Chinese use chopsticks to eat. Now I want to teach them to eat candies with sticks”. This phrase encapsulates the innovation and adaptability that characterized Bernat and his creation.

A 20th century icon

The significance of Chupa Chups is such that it has been recognized as an icon of the 20th century. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York included it in an exhibition called “Industrial Masterpieces,” alongside other simple inventions that have changed people’s lives like the paperclip or the post-it.

Other curiosities

– Dalí’s logo: The logo designed by Salvador Dalí is one of the most iconic in history. Dalí suggested that the logo be placed on the top of the wrapper, rather than the sides, so that it was always fully visible.

– Memorable advertising campaigns: Chupa Chups is known for its clever and memorable advertising campaigns. One of the most famous was in the 80s, when they used the slogan “It’s round and lasts a long time, Chupa Chups.” This phrase highlighted the candy’s longevity, making it attractive to both children and adults.

– Flavor diversity: Over the years, Chupa Chups has launched a wide variety of flavors to satisfy all tastes. From traditional ones like strawberry and orange, to more exotic combinations like piña colada and mango.

– Presence in pop culture: Chupa Chups has appeared in several movies, TV series, and music videos. A notable example is its appearance in the movie “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” and in music videos of artists like Madonna and Marilyn Manson, solidifying its place in popular culture. Another example is the famous FC Barcelona coach, Johan Cruyff, known for his habit of sucking on a Chupa Chups during matches.

– Commitment to sustainability: In recent years, Chupa Chups has made significant efforts to improve its sustainability. They have implemented measures to reduce their carbon footprint and have begun using more environmentally friendly packaging materials.

In conclusion, Chupa Chups is not just a candy but a testament to Enric Bernat’s innovation and vision. His ability to observe, understand, and transform consumer needs led him to create a product that is not only delicious but also convenient and universally loved. A true pop culture icon and an example of how a simple idea can change the world.

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