IT has been another busy year for some of the UK’s biggest names in snacks – and it’s not over yet.
Through 2014, the brand team at Walkers launched several new products and organised major competitions and marketing campaigns.
Its most high-profile was the return of the ‘Do Us a Flavour’ contest; its winning flavour – Pulled Pork in a Sticky BBQ sauce was recently announced.
The flavour’s creator, Paul Rothwell, was awarded £1m after Pulled Pork beat other finalists such as Ranch Raccoon and Chip Shop Chicken Curry in a public vote.
Walkers Pops – a new ‘air popped’ snack that is said to contain 50% less fat than standard crisps – was also launched this year.
And, for retailers, the Walkers brand owner PepsiCo launched a new online rewards and category management website, www.countsformore.co.uk, which provides Walkers’ trade customers with incentives and category advice.
• One of the UK’s biggest names in nuts, KP Snacks, has launched a selection of £1 price-marked packs across its best-selling flavours of peanuts.
Matt Collins, trading controller for convenience at KP Snacks, said: “Nuts for £1 are growing at an impressive 19% year-on-year in impulse and as the nuts market leader we’re offering our best-selling range at £1 to help drive continued growth.
“We believe our new £1 PMP is a fantastic way to offer loyal consumers great value for their money. Retailers should stock up on KP Nuts PMPs all year round and especially over the next few months, as demand is expected to increase with the Christmas period fast approaching.”
New for Christmas 2014 is the KP Big Bag Nuts range, available in four flavours – Salted, Dry Roasted, Salt & Vinegar and Spicy Chilli.
As well as the new sharing-sized range, KP Nuts Caddies are back in Jumbo Salted, Dry Roasted and Honey Roast versions.
Further £1 PMPs are available across eight impulse lines including Big Hoops, McCoy’s, Space Raiders, Phileas Fogg and Nik-Naks.
“With the added competition from the high street, retailers must ensure they are stocked up with best-selling, seasonal SKUs that stand-out from the competition,” said Collins.
“Offering festive lines earlier can generate consumption and drive a need for repeat purchase later on.”
