Swizzels starts the festive confectionery party, amid rise in demand for vegan ranges
UK confectionery manufacturer, Swizzels, has entered into the festive spirit with creating its new seasonal gift drums for the key Christmas period, featuring some of its key lines including Love Hearts and Drumstick Mini Chew Bars, writes Neill Barston.
As the business noted, it has continued a strong pattern of growth in spite of wider supply chain challenges that are continuing to affect the industry in terms of ingredients price rises and logistics issues that have seen retail prices rise significantly across the sector in the past year.
According to the well-established Derbyshire-based firm, the company is now regarded a market leader for sugar confectionery manufacturing for gifting lines within the independent sector, after reporting sales rises totalling 47% for the festive season.
Clare Newton, Trade Marketing Manager at Swizzels, commented: “Christmas has established itself as one of the biggest retail events of the year and shows no signs of slowing down. It gives retailers a sales boost, especially when it comes to sugar confectionery. Swizzels has been known for its continuous innovation and great taste at affordable prices. Each year, we strive to improve our Christmas offering to help the wonderful retailers we work with to boost sales.
“This year’s new Gift Drums are the ultimate festive gift, packed full of our much-loved light and fruity Love Hearts and mouth-watering Drumstick Chew Bars, sure to delight sweet fans of all ages.”
The company’s new gift drums are available to purchase now, with a MRSP of £2.99, in cases of six. Alongside the new-for-2023 Love Hearts and Drumstick Mini Chew Bars Gift Drums, the sweet maker will be offering retailers evergreen favourites including: Swizzels Advent Calendar 220g, MRSP £5, Sweet Shop Favourites Tub 650g, which sees a 105% uplift at Christmas**, making it the No.1 Tub at Christmas, with a MRSP £5, and Sweet Shop Favourites Pouches 450g, MRSP £4.
Vegan popularity
As the company reported, there has also been strong demand for its vegan ranges, which have been boosted by a sustained growth in plant-based diets. t maker has been eager to maintain the high demand of its vegan range with the seasonal return of Swizzels’ vegan range continues to grow in popularity.
Furthermore, the business said that the market anticipated Veganuary 2024 set to be the biggest yet, and has consequently urged retailers to be prepared for the increased demand through stocking up on some of the biggest sellers in the segment. Notably, it said there had been a 19% increase in its vegan Variety Range, 28% increase in its vegan Countlines, 18% increase in its Originals bag range.
As a result, the business will be stocking Party Mix, 785g, with a MRSP £5, Sweet Treat Tub, 600g, with a MRSP £4, Sweet Shop Favourites Carton, 324g, with a MRSP £3, Minions Very Berry Chew bars with strawberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry flavours, 140g, with a MRSP £1.15.
