CHEWITS has launched two 180g sharing-sized bagged confectionery lines in a bid to boost its share of big-night-in sweets sales.
Chewits Chewmix, which has already hit the shelves, contains a mix of established Chewits sweets including Strawberry, Blackcurrant and Fruit Salad.
The Xtreme Chewmix includes a combination of Xtremely Sour Apple and Xtremely Sour Tutti Frutti chews in a sharing-sized bag.
Chewits says the fruit chewy sweets category is currently valued at £135m and has seen 9% value and 5% volume year-on-year growth, which the company says is ahead of the total sugar confectionery market’s performance.
And it reckons 88% of that growth is driven by bagged confectionery sales, which it puts down to consumers sharing sweets as treats on a night in.
Bev Seymour, trade marketing manager at Chewits, said: “The tough economic climate has really been driving growth of the big-night-in category.
“We’re seeing more families spending time together on the sofa, especially at the weekend, rather than outlaying money on expensive activities.
“Chewits share bags are the perfect sweet treat for families. Their nostalgic charm has massive appeal with adults and young children who love the great taste of our core range. Even teenagers can get in on the act with our Xtreme range.”
The Chewmix 180g bags have an RRP of £1.39.
• Bazooka Candy Brands is extending the Bazooka range by introducing its chew sweets in a sharing-sized bag.
The Bazooka Chewz sharing bags contain three of the brand’s most popular established flavours, Original Bazooka, Blue Raspberry and Apple.
The company says the product, complete with brightly coloured, street-art-inspired packaging is designed to appeal to a teenage audience.
Each pack also contains a code for the Bazooka Budz app and website bzka.com, where young consumers can battle a collection of colourful characters in a game designed by street artist Ronzo.
The 170g share bags are available now and have an RRP of £1.
