New name for Hancocks and Bonds of London owner IB Group as firm lays out its offer to retailers and producers
HANCOCKS and Bonds of London owner IB Group has rebranded as World of Sweets.
The confectionery wholesaler, distributor and importer’s decision to change its name brings its broad range of company-owned brands, partner brands and business units under one banner.
Helen Bradshaw, sales and marketing director at World of Sweets, described the rebrand as an “exciting chance” to showcase the firms expertise, “and be clear about our leadership capabilities in confectionery.”
World of Sweets distribution arm includes an e-commerce site serving 55,000 customers per week.
The firm’s wholesale business Hancocks boasts over 22,000 customers, field sales and a direct to store team covering 36,000 independent customers, as well as a national accounts team covering all UK sales channels. Its Scottish depot, located on Blochairn Road in Glasgow, was subject to a major revamp in late 2019.
On the brand front, World of Sweets portfolio of partners includes Pez and Vimto, as well as American brands emerging in the UK such as Nerds, Warheads, Red Vines and Tootsie.
The confectionery firm also offers partners support with new product development, as well as launching NPD under its own-brand labels.
Recent examples of World of Sweets product launches include Bonds Pun boxes, the Great Taste Award winning Bonds Let The Good Times Be Gin sharing bag, and Vimto Juicy Mix Ups.
The firm has more than 350 suppliers worldwide, which it reckons is key to keeping ahead of the competition in the UK.
Bradshaw said: “Our vast and diverse supply chain means that we can provide unparalleled distribution solutions for our broad range of customers, allowing our customers to shop however they want to shop with us.
“The dedicated teams are determined to delight the UK’s taste buds through partnerships with fantastic global confectionery brands, access to exclusive ranges through our supplier partners and driving innovation and newness with our company-owned brands.
“We make sure that our insight, technology and infrastructure is market leading, making us the perfect partner for sweet success.”
