Airheads Unveils Decoy Boy, a Robot That Gives Adults the Chance to Reclaim Tick-or-Treating

Beloved candy brand debuts a playful Halloween companion for candy lovers of all ages–with costumes, catchphrases and the ability to hold 15 pounds of Airheads

ERLANGER, Ky., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween isn't just for kids anymore. This year, Airheads is crashing the candy barrier with Decoy Boy — the world's first robotic trick-or-treating sidekick. Disguised as a costumed kid, Decoy Boy gives grown-ups the perfect social cover to go door-to-door, score candy, and relive their favorite Halloween tradition without the awkwardness of trick-or-treating solo.

For many adults, trick-or-treating was a highlight of their childhood, but then, at no fault of their own, they got older. A recent OnePulse survey showed that while virtually all adults loved trick-or-treating as kids, 87% of adults say it's weird to trick-or-treat alone. These cherished childhood memories and this stat was all the motivation Airheads needed to launch a fully functional trick-or-treating robot in a wagon disguised as a costumed kid. Designed to be pulled from house to house, Decoy Boy is programmed to say "trick or treat!," has a "persuasion dial" for those looking to get more than one piece and a "tantrum mode" for serious Airheads fans.

"Halloween should be fun for everyone, no matter your age or background," said Chris Borges, Brand Director, Non-Chocolate Portfolio at Perfetti Van Melle, the maker of Airheads. "So we built the Decoy Boy to give anyone a way to embrace the spooky season and stock up on Airheads with a little extra flair and fun."

The Decoy Boy is built to resemble a 7- to 8-year-old child and comes in three classic Halloween costumes: a ghost, wizard or Frankenstein. Each unit is battery-powered, rides in a rugged all-terrain wagon, and can carry up to 15 pounds of Airheads. The robot speaks pre-recorded Halloween phrases and adds just the right amount of eerie charm to pass for the real thing, especially from a front porch.

For a chance to get your own Airheads' Decoy Boy in time for Halloween, visit AirheadsDecoyBoy.com. Act fast, the contest closes on Oct. 17, 2025 at 12 p.m. Eastern.

About Airheads
Airheads is a brand long loved by people of all ages for its chewy texture, tangy fruit flavors and bright colors. Invented in Erlanger, KY, Airheads are available in original bar form as well as chewy and intense bite-sized pieces called Airheads Bites. For a sweetly sour candy that packs a punch, Airheads Xtremes belts and bites are available. Airheads are perfect for a quick treat, social gatherings and for sharing with others.  

About Perfetti Van Melle
Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) is a privately owned company that manufactures and distributes confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. PVM is a global leader in the confectionery industry, thanks to delighting consumers around the world with its innovative, diverse, and most loved products.   

The company boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic local and internationally recognized brands cherished by generations such as Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Frisk. In addition, Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 and Bubblicious in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2024 Perfetti Van Melle Group reported net sales above € 4 billion. U.S. operations are based in Erlanger, KY with factories in Erlanger and Rockford, IL.

Media Contact:
Abby Hagstrom
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SOURCE Perfetti Van Melle