Why Did Sports Card Companies Like Topps and Fleer Stop Putting a Stick of Bubble Gum in Individual Packs of Cards?
In the past, sports card packs often included a stick of bubble gum. However, this practice has largely disappeared in modern times. There are several reasons for this change:
- Health Concerns: Chewing gum contains high levels of sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay and other health issues. As awareness about the negative effects of sugar on health grew, card companies phased out the inclusion of gum.
- Cost-Cutting: Bubble gum is a relatively inexpensive product, but it still adds to the cost of producing a pack of cards. By eliminating the gum, card companies could save money and keep their products affordable.
- Focus on the Cards: Modern sports card collectors are primarily interested in the cards themselves, rather than the gum. By removing the gum, card companies could focus on producing higher-quality cards with more desirable content.
- Environmental Concerns: The production and disposal of bubble gum involve the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. By discontinuing the inclusion of gum, card companies could reduce their environmental impact.
- Licensing Fees: Card companies pay licensing fees to sports organizations to produce cards featuring their logos and trademarks. By removing the gum, card companies could reduce the overall cost of their licensing agreements.
Related Questions
- When did Topps stop putting bubble gum in baseball cards? Topps stopped including gum in its baseball card packs in 1988.
- Why do some Topps cards still have gum? Topps occasionally releases special edition cards that include gum as a retro nod to the past.
- Do any other sports card companies still include bubble gum in packs? No, Topps and Fleer were the last major card companies to stop including gum in packs.
- What is the most valuable Topps baseball card with bubble gum? The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card with gum is considered the most valuable Topps baseball card, valued at over $1 million.
- Why are Topps baseball cards with gum so valuable? The scarcity and nostalgia associated with these cards make them highly sought-after by collectors.
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