UK wholesaler Hancocks reports significant spike in demand for US confectionery
UK confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has reported a key increase in demand for US sweets and snacks ranges, prompting it to expand its portfolio of offerings, writes Neill Barston.
As the business explained to Confectionery Production, the rise in interest is being led by independent retailers and online sellers looking for new brands and exciting flavours and flavour combinations they can offer customers.
Hancocks now stocks the widest range of American brands in the UK including many that are exclusive to the wholesaler including Nerds, SweeTarts, Warhead, Mike & Ike, Cookie Dough and Laffy Taffy.
Other brands stocked include Hershey’s, Reese’s. Faygo, Jolly Rancher, Jelly Belly, Airheads and Sour Punch with brand new launches from RedVines, Sour Punch and Tootsie Roll available shortly.
All American ranges, including sweets, candy and chocolate, drinks and snacks, are compliant with UK food legislation and products are screened and verified by Hancocks’ own in house technical experts.
As the company noted, Hershey’s is one of the best-known American confectionery brands and one of its bestsellers, with its range including classic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar and the more recent candy additions, Hershey’s Twizzlers Watermelon Pull & Peel Candy Bag.
In addition, Pez dispensers and candy are a popular choice among younger sweet lovers. The small, rectangular candies are unchanged since they were first created in 1927 and come in flavours including fruit, sour and fizzy mixes. Popular characters are added to the collectible dispenser range regularly with the most recent including Hello Kitty, Spirit, Cars, Tom & Jerry and Disney animals.
Warheads are a new addition to Hancocks’ range of American confectionery with the extreme flavours being a popular choice. The sour flavours come in Worms, Jelly Beans, Chewy Cubes, Hard Candy, Twists and Ooze Chewz.
The business, which supports over 25,000 independent retailers, has 14 stores supported by its website, also also offers a range for the ice cream and milkshake retailers with American inspired toppings. They include Hershey’s Chocolate Flavour Syrup, Oreo Cookie Crumbs and Maxons Cream Soda Flavoured Sherbet which all make perfect toppings.
Chris Smith, Marketing Communications Manager at Hancocks. said: “Over the last 12 months we’ve seen a notable increase in demand for American confectionery. We have been stocking brands from the US for over 20 years and over the last 12 months have seen a big increase in demand.
“We’re bring some exciting new brands to the UK market as well as those American confectionery giants that are well established and known across the globe.
“Making sure the confectionery products are compliant with UK food legislation is very important to us. Customers can buy from us knowing they’re purchasing from the most trusted supplier. All products are legal and labelled prior to going on sale.
“American confectionery will play an important role in the business over the coming years with our buyers constantly looking for new and exciting ranges they can bring to the UK.”
Chris continued: “We’re keen for retailers new to American confectionery to give it a try – we know their customers will love it. We have regular deals running, our next one will be from 27th June to 16th July to encourage retailers to stock up for Independence Day on the 4th July.