Most chewing gum is sold on fresh breath or long-lasting flavour. Airwaves was built around a much more specific pitch when it launched: clearing a blocked nose, not just freshening your mouth.
A gum with a job to do
Airwaves launched in the UK in 1997, positioned from the start as a functional gum rather than a standard mint. The original variant was Menthol and Eucalyptus, flavoured deliberately intensely so that chewing it felt closer to sucking a cough drop than chewing ordinary gum — aimed squarely at people dealing with colds and blocked noses rather than shoppers just wanting fresher breath.
Built by Wrigley, not a standalone startup
Airwaves is made by Wrigley, the chewing gum giant that's part of Mars, Incorporated, which meant the brand had an established manufacturing and distribution network behind it from launch rather than needing to build one from scratch.
The range grew around the same idea
The Menthol & Eucalyptus original has stayed in the range ever since, but Wrigley has added to it over the years: a 2012 relaunch repositioned Airwaves as an all-year "pocket pick-me-up" and brought back a blackcurrant variant, and Airwaves Extreme joined as a permanent addition in 2015. Some flavours haven't survived in the UK — honey and lemon was discontinued here, though it's reportedly still sold in parts of Asia.
What we stock
We currently carry Airwaves Menthol & Eucalyptus Sugarfree Chewing Gum — Case of 30 Packs, the original flavour from the 1997 launch, in stock now. Browse the rest of our Wrigley's range.
Frequently asked questions
When did Airwaves launch in the UK?
In 1997, as a functional gum aimed specifically at people with colds or blocked noses.
What was the original Airwaves flavour?
Menthol and Eucalyptus, designed to taste intense enough to resemble a cough drop.
Who makes Airwaves?
Wrigley, which is part of Mars, Incorporated.
What does Supreme Sweets stock?
Airwaves Menthol & Eucalyptus Sugarfree Chewing Gum, sold as a case of 30 packs, currently in stock.