Stix: Pringles' Answer to Pretz?

If you’ve been to a supermarket’s snacks section, you may find a new product from Pringles called “Stix”. It’s just pretzel sticks in a variety of flavors such as Honey (shown above), Vanilla, Pizza, and a few others. However, the one in question tastes a lot like Butter flavored Pretz. What’s Pretz? It’s a popular stick snack created by Glico who made the beloved Pocky snack.

Is this heart decoration on the top a coincidence as well?

Pretz is just as addicting as Pocky, but with no coating. I became addicted to Pretz after eating a whole box on during a trip in Little Rock, Arkansas, in February 2007. After returning home to Chattanooga, I was able to locate an Asian grocer that sold Pretz at all, sans the Butter flavor that I fell in love with.

Pretz is also available in similar flavors like Stix, including the Butter flavor that the Honey flavor may be copying. Is this a silent wish that came true for Japanese snack fans, or just a huge coincidence?