Convenience retailers can capitalise on novel solutions, says World of Sweets
NOVELTY options across the sugar confectionery category continue to prove effective tools in a retailers’ arsenal.
That’s particularly so when it comes to youth gifting opportunities and, with seasonal gifting options rife throughout the year, offering the novel option could encourage category sales.
Chris Smith, partner brand manager at World of Sweets, said: “Seasonal gifting options are especially popular, as a lot of people are trying to save money amid the inflation and confectionery gifts are seen as an affordable choice.
“We would encourage retailers to stock up ahead of busy seasons to cater to customer needs.”
Easily recognisable brands for children seem like a no-brainer in this case and World of Sweets reckons its NPD based on personalities from the children’s TV channel Nickelodeon will be the ideal solution for kids’ gifting options across the year.
This includes its new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Candy Pops – at £1.29 RRP each – as well as its Paw Patrol and Spongebob Squarepants Candy Containers, which feature identifiable characters from each show, at £1 RRP per container.
Furthermore, the firm has talked about its new range of PEZ dispensers that will tie in with big movie and TV releases from across 2024, including Hello Kitty, Despicable Me 4, Sonic the Hedgehog, Transformers and Star Wars The Mandalorian.
Smith said: “Retailers should also take advantage of the Big Night In opportunity and offer their customers a wide selection of budget-friendly, delicious snacks and treats they can enjoy while spending the night in.”
Tony’s Chocolonely is an extra-indulgent option
SNACK wholesaler Epicurium has secured non-grocery exclusive distribution with Tony’s Chocolonely Everything Bar.
Made with milk chocolate, crunchy caramel pieces, crispy pretzel bits, chewy nougat, nutty almonds and sea salt, the new chocolate bar from Tony’s is Fairtrade certified and free from plastic as well as palm oil.
Furthering this environmental responsibility, the packaging is 100% recyclable and made from FSC-certified paper.
Richard Jefferson, marketing manager at Epicurium, reckons the new bar will prove to be popular with shoppers looking for that extra indulgence.
He said: “Many consumers shop for confectionery to enhance an experience or as a one-off treat, which means that when it is a quality product, higher value items will be seen as the go-to choice.
“In the end, they are either attempting to elevate an experience, or offer an indulgence for themselves; in this regard, the compromise on quality is minimal.”
