Festive gifting market targeted with Whitakers Chocolates expanded ranges
A major range upgrade for Whitakers Chocolates has been confirmed with its Chocolate and Honeycomb Crisps series gaining a new flavour, as well as being bestowed with new packaging fit for the Christmas gifting season, writes Neill Barston.
The British business, which was represented at this year’s World Confectionery Conference in Harrogate Yorkshire recently (see our gallery from the event here), has continued to experience a strong period of sales growth as it explores export opportunities exhibiting at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago, US.
As the Skipton-based firm explained to Confectionery Production, its extended line, which offers a new Milk Chocolate Coffee Crisp variety features enhanced packaging and product size. In response to demand, it has been upgraded into an elegant hexagon-shaped gift box design, with its weight also increasing from 150g to 165g.
According to the company, the move has been designed to specifically target the gifting market, with its series being gluten-free, as well as its dark chocolate crisps registered with the Vegan Society. In addition, the company has extended its portfolio with new chocolate salted caramel crisps, as well as adding dark chocolate raspberry fondants in a bulk format to its offering.
The company noted that all flavours in the Chocolate and Honeycomb Crisps range are set to be available in bulk 800g tubs, ideal for use in the catering and hospitality sectors, with the chocolate and honeycomb crisp series also being made available for private label product ranges, offering branding opportunities for companies operating within the sector.
Managing director, William Whitaker (pictured below at our conference in October), added: “We at Whitakers Chocolates are proud of this evolution and eagerly await the delight these changes will bring to our customers. Thank you for inspiring this journey – we are excited to continue creating and innovating with your tastes in mind.”
Stem ginger expansion
In a further bid to expand its output, Whitakers has unveiled its latest offering: the Crystallised Stem Ginger range. This launch is a significant step for the brand, known for its after-dinner mint chocolates and coffee-flavoured treats, as it delves into the ginger confectionery market, aiming to become the undisputed leader in this category.
As the business noted, it comes after several months of meticulous production trials, highlights its commitment to innovation and quality. The product features high quality stem ginger, either dusted with sugar or covered in their signature, rich dark chocolate. Both products are registered with the Vegan Society meaning consumers can buy with confidence. These are presented in 200g gift boxes, the Crystallised Ginger aligns with Whitakers’ commitment to sustainability, using Fairtrade Cocoa and fully recyclable packaging. They are also available in 1kg tubs and larger 3kg options, catering to the retail, catering, and hospitality sectors.
William Whitaker, Managing Director, concluded: “Ginger, often seen as a seasonal treat, will now be a year-round indulgence in our range. We’re also introducing a cane sugar-dusted version to offer more variety to our customers. Our expertise in chocolate enrobing and this new production line opens up a world of possibilities,” adds Mr. Whitaker. “We’re excited about the new opportunities this brings.”
