SWEET loving Britons spend £763m a year on candies according to figures from Perfetti Van Melle and it says children’s confectionery contributes £602m, making it the biggest category within sugar confectionery.
Trade marketing manager Mark Roberts said: “Bagged candies have a 54% market share and enjoyed 0.7% growth last year.
“However non-traditional and other formats were up by 30%, suggesting that consumers are open to new and different kinds of packaging.”
He said Perfetti Van Melle’s candy sales are worth £29m and that its Chupa Chups brand increased sales by 6.6% last year.
PVM has launched a range of its best selling products in £1 bags.
“With nearly two thirds of shoppers buying on impulse, price-marked packs can help to encourage more of these purchases as well as building trust with customers,” Roberts said.
“PMPs also allow retailers to predict profit margins and maximise sales through increased demand.”
He added that the way people shop has changed dramatically so understanding how they shop for confectionery is critical. Andhe stressed the importance of visibility, display and range in attracting consumers.
Fruitella has increased sales by 52% over the last five years and the brand of fruit chews will be supported this year with a national TV campaign and on-pack promotions, said PVM.
There had been a 74% increase in Chupa Chups sales since 2010 and the brand would soon be announcing a major new product.
“We launched Airheads in May, tapping into the chewy market which has grown by 4.2% since last year,” Roberts said.
“Bagged candies make up 52% of the chewy category and sales of these have increased by 13% in the past 12 months.”
The latest sponsorship from the brand saw Chupa Chups Airheads support the Children and Young Person’s Courage category at the annual Life After Stroke Awards in June.
Brand manager Clare Fothergill said: “This is a fantastic cause and one which we are honoured to support.”
