Spaceman Candy Sticks, formerly Space Man cigarettes[1] are a white candy stick lolly from New Zealand. It is common for New Zealand children to pretend that they are cigarettes.[2] They are made in Palmerston North by Carousel Confectionery,[3] and have been around since the early 1970s.[4]
| Product type | Confectionary |
|---|---|
| Owner | Carousel Confectionary |
| Country | New Zealand |
Writing in the Journal of Consumer Research, Beverland et al. say that Spaceman Candy Sticks may form national identity by a process of 'splitting', where outsiders and New Zealanders perceive Spaceman Candy Sticks differently. New Zealanders would see them as a cigarette.[5]
History
Spaceman candy sticks have been around since the early 1970s, known originally as 'Space Man cigarettes'.[4][1] Due to concerns by a health watchdog that consumers of the sweet would become cigarette addicts, the name was changed to 'Space Man candy sticks'.[1] In 2006 Bonza Confectionery, the maker of Spaceman Candy Sticks, was purchased by Carousel Confectionary and removed the red tip from the sweet to help remove the association with cigarettes.[6][7]