BOXED chocolate sales for the three main spring occasions are worth £139m, says Ferrero and it reckons its own £22m sales that it achieved in spring last year made it the sector’s main driver of sales growth.
At its 2016 spring products launch customer development director Levi Boorer said Ferrero will help retailers increase sales during one of the confectionery category’s most lucrative periods.
Among new products is a larger Grand Rocher, at 240g with an RRP of £8.99. It joins the 125g (RRP £5.24) product in the range.
Boorer said: “Retailers should plan in advance for key calendar events such as: Valentine’s Day, 14 February; Mothers’ Day, 6 March; and Easter, 25 28th March.
“We have great products to meet these occasions and the gifting packs are a must stock. There will always be the distress purchase occasion and retailers who have gift cards and a pen positioned alongside the chocolate confectionery aisle might just save the day.”
Ferrero’s confectionery brand Kinder made its biggest launch of last year, Kinder Joy, in time to capitalise on spring sales opportunities.
The limited-edition Kinder Joy plastic egg opens into two halves – one with layers of milk and cocoa cream, and the other holding a toy and a spoon.
Kinder Joy has been added as a seasonal sub-brand to the existing Kinder portfolio, said to be worth £98m.
Boorer said: “Amazing results in Ireland give us real confidence that Kinder Joy will be a huge success in the UK as the consumers have very similar purchasing habits.”
