Shaquille O'Neal, known as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, has made a name for himself not only on the basketball court, but also in the world of business. After retiring from his record-breaking playing days, Shaq has focused on building an empire that can rival anyone, especially in the sports world. Recently, he introduced his latest product, Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, in collaboration with The Hershey Company.
This new product is a combination of three crunchy gummy balls in watermelon, strawberry, and orange flavors, along with a chewy, sour mango ring as a bonus. As a former athlete, Shaq's focus and determination have carried over into his business ventures, and he was heavily involved in the development process of Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS. He even visited Hershey, Pennsylvania multiple times to ensure that the product was of the highest quality, just as he did when he played alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Shaq shared his thoughts on the new product and his mindset when it comes to success in the business world. He described himself as the "world's biggest kid" and explained how his mentality pushes him to always strive for more. His partnership with The Hershey Company began in 2024, when he launched the Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies. Shaq's perfectionism and high standards are evident in his approach to business, and he pushed the young scientists at Hershey to create the best possible product.
After several tries, Shaq was finally satisfied with the gummies, and they were released to the public to great success, even winning multiple awards. For Shaq, success is not measured in numbers, but in the quality of the product and the strength of the partnership. He believes that when you focus on building a strong relationship, everything else will fall into place.
When it came time to create a new product with Hershey, Shaq wanted to offer something different and unique. That's how Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS came to be, with its play on words and interactive design. Shaq wanted to create a candy that people could play with before eating it, and the result was a hit.
Some may wonder why Shaq chose gummies instead of chocolate or other types of candy. As a child growing up in Germany, Shaq had a love for gummies, and that's what he shared with the CEO of Hershey in their initial meeting. His childhood love for gummies, combined with his admiration for the brand, made it an easy decision for him to partner with Hershey.
In the end, Shaq's partnership with Hershey has been a successful one, with the launch of Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS being just the beginning. Shaq's determination and passion for creating the best products, combined with his love for childhood treats and his strong partnership with Hershey, have led to a winning combination. And as Shaq says, "the rest is history!"
