Not all fireworks are of the pyrotechnic variety come this Fourth Of July.
Iconic Detroit manufacturer Faygo Beverages Inc. is out with a new summer flavor of pop called Firework — think melted Bomb Pop popsicle — that also might have people oohing ahhing over the bottle.
If they can find it, that is.
The new blast of fruity and sweet flavors of cherry, lime and blue raspberry is so popular that Faygo sold more than its forecast for the entire summer. Four packs were going for $45-$55 on eBay.
The company plans to restock stores with more of the limited-time summer flavor, which comes in 24-ounce bottles patriotically decorated with patented "direct object printing" technology from Plastipak Packaging Inc.
Coupled with proprietary inks, the printing process delivers "a completely recyclable package," according to Ron Uptergrove, Plastipak's director of advanced manufacturing.
"Not having a label glued to the bottle eliminates unwanted landfill waste and reduces the supply chain carbon footprint. This is the decorating technology of the future," Uptergrove said in a press release.
Digital advances meant the artwork could be approved and produced the same day. Faygo started filling production in days compared to its traditional lead time of six to eight weeks for printed labels, the release says.
The printing technology also let Faygo put a QR code on the bottles for a marketing campaign called "Can't Stop the Pop." Consumers scan the code with smartphones to go to a website where the company is giving away Faygo Firework swag.
Firework offers a completely new experience, according to Faygo Beverages President Al Chittaro.
"For 114 years, Faygo has been an innovator in the pop world and we are very proud to add Firework to our distinctive line of over 50 flavors," Chittaro said in the release.
Faygo officials have been overwhelmed by the response to the product, according to Dawn Burch, Faygo marketing manager.
"We are disappointed to see price gouging and want consumers to understand that more is being produced regularly, so please don't spend that much on a bottle or a case," Burch told MLive. "We have been producing more weekly since the launch and are expanding production to more cases per run. We are also working on adding a second package size."