Confectionery is worth £5.5bn within the UK treating and snacking market, which itself is worth £13.3bn, making this a hugely important category to retailers looking to drive sales.
75% of recent treats and snacking growth has come from confectionery sales alone (Nielsen).
“With the growing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are making more conscious choices, opting for confectionery products with reduced sugar and natural ingredients,” comments Matt Boulter, UK Sales Director, Mars Wrigley. “This has led retailers to expand their offerings of healthier alternatives and prominently display these options to cater to health-conscious consumers.”
Mars Wrigley launched the new GALAXY® Vegan Salted Caramel bar into retailers in 2023 as part of a bold refresh of the GALAXY® Vegan product range. The new SKU, which is gluten-free, dairy-free and registered with The Vegan Society, bolsters the brand’s core Vegan line-up, including GALAXY® Vegan Classic, GALAXY® Vegan Orange and GALAXY® Vegan Crumbled Cookie. The refresh came at a time when more shoppers than ever are seeking free-from confectionery that embodies innovation parallel to that in the core confectionery aisle.
With a design and taste similar to the mainstream confectionery equivalent, the new GALAXY® Vegan Salted Caramel bar is made with hazelnut paste and filled with creamy salted caramel.
“We are still seeing demand for fruity flavours within the gum category. Consumers are always looking for fun, seasonal flavour variations to try in confectionery,” adds Boulter. “In 2023, we launched EXTRA® Refreshers Strawberry Lemon; this launch was based on insights that show strawberry is the most popular flavour within fruity confectionery, accounting for 4 in 5 fruit NPD (Nielsen).”
It is also the flavour responsible for the most category-wide repeat purchases (Nielsen). Combining strawberry with a lemon twist, the number one and number two flavours for consumer loyalty represent a refreshing move to innovate the fixture and excite new shoppers. New shoppers account for more than 80% of fruit gum growth (Kantar) and fruit gum is growing faster than mint, with 23% growth year on year (Kantar).
Particular trends that present opportunities for retailers include the rise of Fruity Gum. Over-indexing with millennials and Gen Z audiences, Fruity Gum is the fastest-growing gum segment with a 25% increased rate of sale. A third of Fruity Gum shoppers only buy Fruity Gum, and 70% of Fruity Gum growth has been incremental to the Gum category.
As fruity confections are growing at +17% year-on-year (Nielsen), the Starburst brand is a perfect platform for Mars Wrigley’s first HFSS-compliant fruity confectionery venture, bringing an additional audience of 1.4 million to the sector.
Mars Wrigley continues to innovate and push the boundaries of fruity confections with the announcement of its first HFSS-compliant fruity confectionery launch. Starburst Fruit Squares follow on from the unveiling of Triple Treat, the first HFSS-compliant launch from a major confectionery company, in June 2022.
The Fruit Squares are made with real fruit (80% apple puree) and are high in fibre. They are available in two mouth-watering flavour variants, Fruit Mix (apple, strawberry, blackcurrant, and orange) and Tropical Mix (pineapple, mango, passionfruit and lemon). These vegan snacks are designed to meet the growing consumer desire for healthier, innovative confectionery options.
Mars Wrigley has launched a new gum innovation nationwide, Extra Sugarfree Watermelon, in response to sustained growth within Fruity Gum. Backed by a £2.1m campaign media spend supporting the total fruit range including Refreshers, this is the brand’s first-ever Watermelon flavour, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, leadership, and penetration, bringing new consumers into the category.
Extra Sugarfree Watermelon Bottle (RRP £2.75) and Single packs (RRP £0.65) are currently rolling out nationwide following its exclusive launch into Tesco last year.
Treating and snacking in the UK market is worth £13.3bn. Mars Wrigley is proud to have category-leading brands across the chocolate, fruity confectionery, and gum sectors of the market. The company has seen consistently high, and growing, performance in all three categories – chocolate +2.7% y-o-y, fruity confectionery +8.2% y-o-y, and gum +18.5% y-o-y.
To better target the Gen Z audience, and capture new consumers, Mars Wrigley is revolutionising its approach to marketing and advertising when it comes to gum. At the centre of this is the launch of the Chewtopia website hub. This hub has been designed as a result of in-depth research into the Gen Z audience, with the goal of promoting gum in a way which is relevant to them.
Mars Wrigley defines Chewtopia as the epitome of ‘me time’, and the website includes a range of fun and quirky methods designed to help young people take some time for themselves. From getting through exam season, to boosting your mood, this platform is designed to promote gum as the perfect way for young people to enjoy me time.
“Retailers should champion new products in store to help raise sales and capitalise on early consumer demand – allowing them to get ahead of the game. Taste is the number one reason to buy chocolate confectionery, but one in five people don’t buy it due to a lack of healthier options,” suggests Boulter.
“With more than half of all gum purchases unplanned – 65% of gum purchases are made on impulse (Nielsen) – it has never been more important for retailers to make gum available and easily visible for every shopper, every trip.
“Ensuring core products in popular formats, including gum bottles, are always available and merchandised effectively will in turn boost planned and incremental purchases.”
Certain snacking occasions present immense opportunities for retailers, including The Big Night In occasion. With its focus on gatherings, celebrations, and shared experiences, it provides a perfect platform for retailers to showcase Mars Wrigley’s wide range of seasonal products. Whether it’s the vibrant colours of Easter, the warm sentiments of Christmas, or the playful spirit of Halloween, Mars Wrigley confectionery offerings can cater to diverse preferences and capture the essence of every season.
“By tapping into the Big Night Insight occasion, retailers can provide immersive experiences through seasonal treats and limited-edition offerings. These allow retailers to surprise and delight their customers, turning their gatherings into unforgettable moments of indulgence,” says Boulter.
“As we approach each season, we continually strive to innovate and bring new flavours, packaging, and promotions to the market. By embracing the opportunities presented by the Big Night Insight occasion, we can continue to satisfy the sweet tooth of consumers choosing to spend the night in and support our retailers.”
Susan Nash, Trade Communications Manager at Mondelez International, comments: “Snacks continue to be important to consumers and shoppers as we face trying times, as they view their favourite snacks as affordable and necessary indulgences. Over the past year, we’ve continued to play a significant role in the snacking market with our strong portfolio of iconic and well-loved brands, as well as rolling out exciting innovations for shoppers to enjoy. We understand that shoppers are increasingly looking to enjoy evenings at home as a more cost-effective way to spend time together (IGD) and so we continue to play into this occasion with sharing formats, multipacks and tablets.”
Through challenging times, consumers often review their discretionary spending. However, they are less likely to reduce their spending on confectionery gifting. To help cater for this, over the past year Mondelez put a strong focus behind eye-catching sharing and gifting formats they’ll be able to enjoy together or use as presents.
“Health is absolutely a key trend; we are already seeing consumers looking for more health and wellbeing options across the broader snacking category and we anticipate this trend continuing over the longer term,” adds Nash. “Indeed, recent research has shown that 71% (Nielsen IQ) of consumers have said that healthier and more nutritious foods are extremely important to them. We recognise the importance of offering healthier snacking options and are proud to support this with our delicious new non-HFSS ranges, as well as our beloved core ranges that are made and packaged with Mindful Snacking in mind.”
Moments of indulgence continue to be important, particularly for younger adult consumers (Mintel), as a way of destressing, while many consumers associate snacks with connecting with others (Mintel). Research supports this, finding that the ‘special treat’ category in particular has seen strong growth of 15% from 2022 to 2023 (Nielsen).
As well as this, consumers enjoy products that remind them of their past. In 2024 Cadbury is celebrating its 200th year. Throughout this year, the brand will be engaging in a multitude of activities, promotions, and celebrations to mark the landmark anniversary, including heritage limited-edition bars. The 180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Bars, as well as 95g PMP packs, are available in seven different collectable designs, featuring packaging from across the ages, starting as far back as 1915 and running right up to the present day. The striking, nostalgic packs will add real theatre to retailers’ stores, and delight shoppers for whom the Cadbury brand has been an ever-present in their lives. Shoppers from every generation should be able to recognise the Cadbury Dairy Milk bar they saw on store shelves when growing up, with the inside of each pack illustrated with a special artwork documenting some of Cadbury’s milestone moments.
“Additionally, shoppers are increasingly looking to enjoy evenings at home as a more cost-effective way to spend time together,” says Nash. “This subsequent increase in the Big Night In occasion can be catered to with our gifting and sharing formats. They offer a great opportunity for stores to capitalise on shopper excitement throughout the year. Retailers can make the most of Cadbury’s range of sharing products by stocking products such as Cadbury Roses, Cadbury Heroes and Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets, especially around mini seasons.”
Cadbury, the nation’s favourite chocolate brand (Nielsen), is introducing a range of three non-HFSS products to its Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruitier & Nuttier platform.
The Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruitier and Nuttier Bars bring something new and exciting to the healthier snacking bars category. The bars are jam packed with a blend of fruits, crispies, cocoa and crunchy nuts topped with a layer of the classic Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate that consumers know and love. With over 70% fruits and nuts, and 127 calories per 30g multipack bar, the products are sure to be a hit with consumers who are seeking out a better-for-you treat.
Available nationwide now in a multipack 4 x 30g format are two flavours: Classic and Orange Boost, the latter topped with a layer of Cadbury Dairy Milk Orange. As well as this, shoppers will also be able to get hold of the Orange variant in a single 40g bar format from the end of May.
Cadbury has expanded its popular Duos range by bringing another one of its leading singles bars into this growing format (Nielsen). The launch of Cadbury StarBar Duo will help retailers to demonstrate even more value to their shoppers by offering them something new in this range.
The duos format offers a unique proposition for shoppers and is currently growing by 36% (Nielsen) in the category, with Cadbury Duos outpacing this growth even further at almost 54% (Nielsen). Research (Mondelez) also shows that consumers are not only choosing duos for themselves but are also sharing them so this latest addition to the Cadbury Duos range is well positioned to help retailers expand into sharing occasions too.
Cadbury StarBar Duo brings the bar’s well-known burst of salty peanuts, chewy caramel and Cadbury milk chocolate to the popular duos format.
Available now, Cadbury StarBar Duo has been rolled out nationwide and supported by in-store POS and activation.
This year, Cadbury has launched Cadbury Dairy Milk &More, a new addition to the beloved Cadbury Dairy Milk range. With two sumptuous flavours to try – Cadbury Dairy Milk Nutty Praline Crisp and Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel Nut Crunch – which make the ultimate treat.
The Cadbury Dairy Milk &More bars come with larger chunks, packed full of textures and flavours, so that when it’s time for chocolate fans to pause and take a moment for themselves, each bite will transport them to a world of delight.
Ruth Harding, Managing Director, Divine Chocolate, comments: “During challenging times, be it the pandemic or the cost-of-living crisis, we know how important it is to focus on what we do best – delivering quality chocolate with superb ethics that we can communicate through marketing campaigns.
“The lipstick effect (when consumers still spend money on small indulgences during recessions, economic downturns, or when they personally have little cash) means that despite these challenging times, quality chocolate is for many still seen as an affordable treat.”
Separately, there has also been a rise in nostalgic and traditional flavour profiles across other categories such as chilled desserts, beverage and sweets, and Divine has identified a gap in the block chocolate market for a range of bars that bring these flavours to life in an indulgent and premium way. The brand’s range of three Dessert Bars launched in February – each inspired by the flavours of popular puddings, including Tiramisu, Cherry & Almond Bakewell and Lemon Cheesecake.
“We are seeing a rise in consumers caring about how the products they purchase are produced, the ingredients used and the treatment of those involved in the supply chain,” adds Harding. “This has always been at the heart of what Divine stands for, so we haven’t had to pivot our business model to make our proposition more attractive for consumers, we’ve just had to ensure we’re effectively communicating our credentials in this area.”
In February, Divine launched a range of Dessert Bars, inspired by the flavours of popular puddings, including Tiramisu, Cherry & Almond Bakewell and Lemon Cheesecake. The Divine Dessert Bar offers a fuss-free alternative to run-of-the-mill puddings, featuring classic flavour combinations, enrobed in Divine’s signature dark, milk or white chocolate.
New for Easter 2024 was Divine’s range of Flat Eggs – a more sustainable solution to the classic boxed egg, with over 40% less packaging, and available in two flavours, spanning the decadence of 70% smooth dark chocolate with raspberry, to the creamy indulgence of smooth milk chocolate, caramel and crunch.
The limited-edition Hot Cross Bun Bar was the ultimate seasonal indulgence, featuring the classic flavours of Easter with Divine’s signature smooth milk chocolate, studded with juicy raisins and spiced biscuit pieces. Over the past few years, the confectionery sector has experienced a wealth of challenges, be it from Brexit, Covid-19, HFSS, or the cost-of-living crisis. Despite these challenges, Divine Chocolate has remained resilient, navigating through cost pressures to maintain the quality and integrity of our products.
“It’s likely that we’ll continue to see consumers being price-conscious, or at least for some, price-aware, so the opportunity for brands in the confectionary space is to communicate clearly their value proposition, beyond price,” says Harding. “There is always an opportunity to add excitement to the block chocolate category, particularly at a time where consumers are looking for edible escapism.”
The brand kicked off its birthday celebrations last year with a partnership with broadcaster and presenter Clara Amfo, Divine’s new brand ambassador. Clara has been curating a quarterly series of cultural recommendations, designed to encourage people to do things differently – just as Divine has done in the chocolate industry for the past 25 years. The idea around ‘doing things differently’ has also enabled Divine to extend the reach of the campaign by working with several social influencers to curate more content and cultural recommendations for audiences to enjoy. Divine has also put dedicated support behind building a strong PR and influencer strategy to drive brand awareness.
“The restrictions on HFSS promotional space in store has led us to pivot into finding other ways to gain shopper attention, be it through stronger on-shelf communications or a greater focus on driving awareness of availability with digital and print media spend,” adds Harding.
Mark Roberts, Marketing & Trade Marketing Director at Perfetti Van Melle, comments: “The total UK sugar confectionery market is worth £1.6Bn (IRI) with Perfetti Van Melle now positioned as the world’s second-leading confectionery manufacturer (Euromonitor) with their portfolio of household brands including Mentos, Fruit-tella, Chupa Chups, and Smint being worth over £100 million.”
Confectionery is one of the top five categories purchased on impulse in convenience stores. Offering a full range that supports the government’s HFSS guidelines of under 150kcal per pack – something most manufacturers can’t, gives Perfetti the opportunity to be closer to these impulse purchases.
Family favourite and top ten candy brand, Fruit-tella’s best-selling chews have transitioned to a fully vegan recipe, meaning that the brand can now deliver fruity joy to an even bigger audience of consumers. The switch to vegan will be implemented across the full range of chews including the Fruit-tella favourite Simply Strawberry, the moreish Fruit-tella Duo Stix, and the more recent edition of Fruit-tella Berries & Cherries – now available in a convenient stick format.
The delectable chews will still contain real fruit juice and be made with all-natural colourings and flavours. All Fruit-tella sharing bag sweets are individually wrapped, and as such they are a treat that promotes hygiene and portion control. This makes them the perfect portable snack for families – be that on a long car journey, to pop in a bag for on-the-go pick me up, or to have in the cupboard for when trick or treaters come by.
“Fruit-tella has been synonymous with the highest quality sweets since 1931,” says Roberts. “We are delighted that those who favour a plant-based diet can now join in the fruity fun too. We have worked hard to perfect a vegan recipe that replicates the taste and texture of our beloved chews, and we are certain that the new formulation will be a surefire hit with existing consumers and new shoppers alike. We look forward to welcoming some more fans to the Fruit-tella family!”
Fruit-tella has expanded into the jellies market with an innovative and interactive NPD: Fruit-tella Curiosities. The themed packs allow shoppers to explore one of four far-flung and fantastic worlds. In ‘By the Sea’ the marine life is totally tropical, and the Antarctic creatures of ‘In the Snow’ are berry delicious, whilst ‘Out in Space’ will take consumers on an out-of-this-world journey, and ‘On a Safari’ transports tastebuds to the heart of the Serengeti.
Now available to buy in store for £1.50 per pack, the HFSS-compliant jellies are made with 30% reduced sugar, real fruit juice, and natural colourings and flavours – all the attributes that make the core Fruit-tella range a family favourite. ‘By the Sea’ features soft fish, starfish and crab shapes in perennially popular flavours lemon, orange, and strawberry. ‘In the Snow’ contains a mixture of penguins, polar bears and walruses that taste of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry. ‘Out in Space’ explores unchartered taste territories, with moon, rocket and star shapes in stellar strawberry, pineapple and peach flavour, and ‘On a Safari’ features a roaring assortment of elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and lions in zesty orange, apple and pear flavour.
Mentos Candy is now worth £38.2million, with growth being driven thanks to continuous innovation from Perfetti Van Melle captivating customers – exemplified by the new launch of Mentos Discovery, which offers a category-first 14 different flavour sweets in one roll. Mixed fruit flavours dominate the Hard Chews Sweets category, worth £71m in L52w, with recent research proving there is a burgeoning appetite among sweet eaters for exotic flavours (Innova & Mintel). Mentos Discovery is primed to break new ground in the category with 14 flavours including passion fruit, lychee, blueberry, blackcurrant, lime, strawberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, watermelon, banana, grape, cherry and pineapple.
Following the success of Mentos Fanta launch in summer 2022 the much sought after Mentos Fanta was awarded Product of the Year 2023. The highly respected award confirms the status of the tasty chewy treat as a firm consumer favourite.
The launch saw two global power brands from candy and soft drinks join forces to make the delicious orange drink Fanta available in a chewable format. Mentos Fanta launched globally last year, the product is now within the bestselling fruit single lines in convenience, petrol, and travel.
Clare Newton, Trade Marketing Manager at Swizzels, said: “Sugar Confectionery is worth £1.6bn, growing at +16.2% (Circana), which is a figure bolstered by demand from consumers for classic favourites as well as new and innovative products. Introduction of new products with innovative, exciting flavours and the increased interest in gifting lines are expected to drive sales in the near future.”
The increasing popularity of plant-based and vegan diets has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards confectionery products that align with these choices.
As a result, retailers have responded to the demand by expanding their product offerings in the category and actively sourcing and stocking a variety of vegan sweets to cater to this growing market segment.
“One trend we anticipate will significantly influence the category this year is the increasing preference for on-the-go snacking,” adds Newton. “Convenience remains a priority for consumers, particularly with the growing prevalence of on-the-go lifestyles. We’ve launched our 60g Squashies packs as an ‘On-The-Go’ option for consumers looking for their favourite treat in a more portable format.”
Along with its full Squashies and Variety Bag ranges, Swizzels’ Sweet Shop Favourite Tubs, Cartons and Pouches are some of the best sellers during spring and summer months, as they are ideal for gifting or sharing during family gatherings and picnics.
Swizzels has announced the release of its biggest NPD for 2024, Squashies Strawberry & Cream flavour. The release encapsulates the quintessential British summertime flavour that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
In June, as a result of the fantastic feedback surrounding its Mallows hanging bag product, Swizzels will be launching its Mallows Countline product.
For Halloween 2024, Swizzels has the exciting release of Squashies Squeletons, each bag contains unique skeleton shapes and three different flavours: Sour Apple, Strawberry, and Orange – available to order from August, they’re the perfect addition to any Trick or Treat activity.
Swizzels’ festive NPD for 2024, will be the delicious yet mischievous Naughty & Nice Squashies with Strawberry Ice Cream and Apple Pie Flavours.
The addition of Refreshers Cherry Cola Chew Bar to the existing range, was also a highlight in Q1.
Swizzels is worth £96.6m in the market growing at +5.2% over the last year (Circana) and the growth seems to show no signs of slowing down.
“The sugar confectionery category has become a staple in consumers’ lifestyles and further instils how important it is for retailers to stock a complete range of sweet treats, says Newton. “Well-established and much-loved brands like Swizzels that offer delicious treats at affordable prices continue to be a preferred choice for shoppers, and retailers looking to enhance their offering should stock up on them.”
“The visual merchandising aspect of the shopper experience can help maximise sales. Ensuring retailers have great availability of products is key, along with displaying these products in a coherent way, with the correct amount of shell space per product group and brand, is a fantastic way of piquing consumer interest,” suggests Newton.
“Making use of smaller spaces, especially near other occasion-based products, such as crisps and soft drinks, will invite customers to potentially purchase items that they wouldn’t have usually considered, especially when they are purchasing for at-home move nights, for example.”
Swizzels provides bright, eye-catching displays throughout depots, teamed with frequent competitions, specifically targeted towards the needs of retailers/wholesalers.
The company also supports them with a full suite of digital POS for each promotion, alongside bespoke artwork and competitions which are often customised to encourage participation in more localised competitions. Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Jakemans Senior Brand Manager, comments: “The obesity crisis and pandemic accelerated the need for the confectionery industry to cut down on sugar. Whilst the government’s HFSS regulations may have impacted the wider confectionery market, some brands have continued to see growth.”
In January 2023 Jakemans launched a new sugar free version of the much-loved classic flavour, Throat & Chest, in a 50g bag format. This was to provide choice for consumers who were looking at actively reducing their sugar intake or where health circumstances govern their choice.
Jakemans uses only the finest natural ingredients in each tasty lozenge that bursts with menthol – an ingredient that releases natural vapours to soothe the symptoms of a sore or tickly throat and keep airways clear. Jakemans contains no artificial colours or flavours and are suitable for vegetarians.
Jakemans’ best-selling flavours are Throat & Chest, Honey & Lemon, and Cherry which are offered in both 73g and 160g bags or stick packs, allowing convenience and choice for consumers with different needs. Jakemans is the most popular cough/throat lozenge brand, and continues to be the No.1 bagged brand within medicated confectionery (Kantar). Sales of Jakemans have increased by 16.2% since 2022 (Mintel), and Jakemans alone contributes to 15% of overall annual sales in the category (Mintel). The ongoing success in the category can be attributed to Jakemans’ 100+ year heritage of the brand. Jakemans is also perceived to be a fun brand, with its variety of different flavours.
“With warmer weather here and people spending more time outside there is a greater demand for convenient and ‘on the go’ solutions, providing an opportunity for retailers to maximise sales. Not only can retailers benefit from the impulse need shoppers have, but by stocking formats that offer greater convenience for ‘on-the-go’ consumption, retailers will do well,” adds Hughes-Gapper.
“Colds and sore throats are still prevalent, even in the summer, so retailers should place summer ailment remedies in prominent locations to ensure products have the best visibility on shelf and are dual sited where possible to help with convenience and ease of purchase.”
Alongside this, research shows that 19% of adults are interested in remedies with different flavour options (Mintel). Jakemans provides a range of soothing menthol lozenges in a range of flavours such as Throat & Chest, Honey & Lemon, Cherry, Peppermint, Blackcurrant, Menthol & Eucalyptus and Blueberry. By having a range of flavours available, consumers can opt for their preferred taste and switch between flavours if using for a long period.
Throughout the year, including summer, menthol lozenges – such as Jakemans – are a vital product to stock for soothing a sore or tickly throat and keeping airways clear.
Dominic Simler, PLAYin CHOC Managing Director, comments: “The category is undergoing a transformative shift, influenced by the growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. Companies are increasingly adopting initiatives aimed at reducing environmental and social impacts, with some shifting to more recyclable packaging and others implementing programmes to combat deforestation and eliminate child labour practices in cocoa farming regions.”
As consumers place greater importance on brand responsibility, it has become imperative for businesses to align with these values to continue to drive sales. From the outset PLAYin CHOC has exclusively opted for FSC carbon balanced paper packaging and home compostable plant cellulose for its chocolate wrappers, ensuring its packaging does not contribute to landfills or ocean pollution.
Companies are striving for B Corp status to signify rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Consumers actively seek out products from B Corp certified companies, as it provides assurance that their purchases align with their values and PLAYin CHOC were really proud to become a B Corp company this year for this reason.
The trend towards healthier and ‘better for you’ products is being driven by consumer preferences with 75% favouring eco-conscious chocolate and 77% favouring reduced sugar options. This shift has risen since the pandemic, as heightened awareness of dietary health implications has prompted individuals to make more conscious choices about what they consume.
With 1/3 less sugar than leading chocolate brands, PLAYin CHOC perfectly aligns with these evolving consumer preferences, which have become increasingly prominent in people’s shopping habits. By offering a cleaner, better for you alternative, the brand positions itself at the forefront of an industry that is increasingly prioritising healthier and sustainable options.
“Retailers must acknowledge the growing emphasis on health-conscious choices among consumers, particularly with increasing scrutiny on ultra-processed foods. This trend holds relevance in the chocolate industry given the widespread use of emulsifiers, processed ingredients and artificial sweeteners, often found in vegan/free-from chocolate products,” adds Simler.
PLAYin CHOC adopts a meticulous approach to product development. Using organic, natural and plant-based ingredients, the company minimises reliance on extensive processing methods.
While acknowledging the necessity of marginal processing for safety reasons, PLAYin CHOC endeavours to maintain the integrity of its ingredients by employing gentle processing techniques. This ensures the preservation of essential nutrients, such as magnesium, abundant in cacao, while avoiding artificial additives.
With a commitment to providing healthier snack alternatives, particularly geared towards children, PLAYin CHOC emerges as a frontrunner in the realm of clean and health-conscious chocolate offerings, boasting the use of just three plant ingredients.
Steven Watt, CEO – Rose Marketing UK, comments: “The driving force behind category growth is delivering exceptional value for money. In recent times, sharing bags have emerged as a clear frontrunner, demonstrating a remarkable 30% year-over-year increase in sales. Among these, the £1 price-marked bags have gained prominence. Shoppers, while acknowledging the affordability of sweets, continue to seek value in their purchases. Notably, Tango Blue Bon Bons have outshone their counterparts, boasting an impressive growth rate of 71% year-on-year.”
Moreover, insights from Kantar Lumina in 2023 reveal that 82% of retailers consider £1 PMPs as indispensable stock items, positioning them as a primary growth driver in the Convenience & Impulse sector. These findings align with consumer sentiment, as 60% of shoppers perceive on-shelf PMPs as special promotions, underscoring the enduring significance of price in purchasing decisions, especially considering the escalating cost of living (Source: Kantar Lumina, 2023).
“It’s crucial to stay attuned to the latest pack sizes and formats that resonate with consumers,” adds Watt. “Notably, the rise in unit sales of larger bags of chocolates signifies a growing trend in multi-occasion shopping, allowing consumers to save a little on confectionery purchases. Moreover, Rose is at the forefront of innovation in this space, exploring product ranges that cater to multiple categories. Our unique confectionery items serve as both everyday treats and versatile additions for baking, providing consumers with delightful multi-use occasions. Whether used as grindable candy toppings or candy-coated popping treats, Rose’s offerings sweeten the sales opportunities, making candy a multi-faceted and irresistible choice for consumers in search of affordable indulgence (CStore Dive, 2023).”
Eaters and buyers of sweets continue to try to moderate their consumption with 42% avoiding large bags of sweets presumably so they are not tempted to eat too many. This is further shown by 72% of eaters of sweets trying to limit their sugar intake from sweets and 58% agreeing that small packs of sweets are a good way to control the amount you eat (Sugar and Gum Confectionery – UK, 2022).
Rose Marketing launched the SOUR – Candy Castle Crew Mutations range, an innovative take on sour candies as it recognised the popularity of USA flavours and formats. The brand has incorporated theatre boxes and USA flavours into its offerings, catering to a diverse set of tastes for those who are particularly looking for a sour alternative. Encouraging 29% of eaters of sweets to try a new sweets product, sour flavours is the 3rd appeal of the listed flavour types. The launch of sweets with sour flavour combinations is therefore highly warranted, especially given the appeal of sour flavours among 40% of 16-34-year-olds, the biggest eaters of sweets (Source: Sugar and Gum Confectionery UK 2023, Mintel).
Furthermore, the brand has embraced the demand for natural alternatives, introducing reformulations and new products that utilise natural ingredients, including a refreshing Watermelon flavour in select ranges. There is an appeal for exotic flavours amongst 53% of 16–34-year-olds, who are the biggest eaters of sweets.
Ella McKay, Founder of FATSO, comments: “I think there lies an opportunity for more premium and higher quality sweet treats. With chocolate purchase frequency down, people are more likely to splash out a bit more when they do purchase as a treat. Bear in mind as well, the education around what “quality ingredients” means is massively improving, with more people gaining a greater understanding into the issues around ultra-processed foods and trans fats. Avoiding these things is increasingly considered more important than avoiding sugars and real fats. Brands that use more natural, real ingredients (including sugars and fats) will continue to appeal to a more conscious consumer and find growth within that. Health is also about so much more than your physical health. Mental health is increasingly considered as important to our holistic health/wellbeing as our physical health, and so we mustn’t forget that some things, like eating sweet things for pleasure and enjoying the simple act of eating a chunk of chocolate or a sweet, can contribute to a balanced, healthy and happy lifestyle.”
Karen Crawford, Marketing Director at Colian UK, comments: “We invested in NPD this year, starting with our Spring Desserts Collection and taking Easter by storm in launching our Desserts Collection Easter Egg. Collectively we have added over half a million pounds of incremental Retail sales in Q1 alone through these great packs. As with all of our Lily O’Brien’s products, our NPD is crafted with luxury – and launched at an affordable price tag to meet consumer needs. And, because we’re firm believers that good quality shouldn’t come with a premium price.”
Hannah Clough, Senior Brand Manager at Mallow & Marsh, comments: “There are a variety of trends currently driving category growth, and one key trend we’ve seen here at Mallow & Marsh is the desire for premium quality treats for those moments of indulgence. Whilst many are looking to reduce their spending on non-essential and convenience products, many of us are seeking premium treats to enjoy moments of escapism without compromising.”
Andy Mutton, Managing Director, Storck UK, comments: “The Big Night In occasion remains as popular as ever as shoppers look to save money while still enjoying time with family and friends.
“2024 is set to bring even more opportunities for retailers to make the most of the Big Night In occasion. Retailers have many opportunities to maximise their confectionery sales as consumers tune in to watch matches from home.
“As consumers come together to connect and socialise, many will also be looking for larger pack sizes of their favourite sweet treats that they can enjoy together. Brands such as Werther’s Original and Riesen are well-placed to help retailers tap into occasions like these and offer various options and formats to complete the customer experience.”
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