Pimp my M&M's

Here's an article over at the New York Times (free registration) on the new Mega M&M's which are touted to be "perfectly big." The second link is to a story at CNN.  The third is the press release from MasterFoods.

NY Times Link

CNN Link

Press Release Link

The mega M&M's are 55% bigger than the originals and come in 6 "adult" colors.

This will be an interesting campaign to follow.  Will it be a disaster like New Coke?  A big success like Reese's Pieces?  Or just a ho-hum?  You prophets of markets may enter your predictions by clicking the comment link below.

My prediction is for a ho-hum.  I don't believe what their focus groups said, adults want to revisit the M&M experience from their childhoods.  They don't want adult colors.  They want the look and feel they knew as children.  I think when you chuck one of the new mega M&M's into your mouth, your right brain will tell you it's an imposter.

Let's see what happens.

If anyone out there tries them, let us know your impression.

Comments

[Paughnee]

I saw a coupon for the Mega M&M's in my Sunday paper. It was the first time I'd heard of them. I just thought, "Huh. What's the point of that?" So, from the consumer's POV, I don't have any compelling reason to try them. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

[Summer]

As a consumer, I would like to see what they call "Adult Colors," but I don't see myself supporting this campaign because of it. It is a little far-fetched.

It is curiosity that would drive me to pick up a bag. That considered, I still don't believe that this will become a notable product in the list of top American candy craves.

[Jill]

I bought a big bag of these last night and while more chocolate is always a good thing, I'm not impressed. After watching the comercials, I expected an M&M the size of a frisbee but instead, they are not that much bigger than regular M&Ms. Also, I find the "adult" colors boring and plain. So what exactly are the makers of M&Ms trying to tell us? That as children, you are fun and carefree but as you get bigger you become boring and blah? I think I'll stick to regular M&Ms to keep up with my overinflated self image, these mega-sized M&Ms make me feel fat and plain.