Spanish-founded confectionery group Fini, has revealed notable UK expansion with two key launches for the UK – its Mini Mochis Fruits and Mini Mochis Berries, amid growth in sweets featuring diverse international flavours, reports Neill Barston.

The business has continued to evolve its global production, with facilities in its native homeland, as well as Brazil, and bases across Europe that have given it reach in a total of 80 countries.

As the company notes, its latest Mochi series taps into a category that has gone notably mainstream, with online discussions around Asian sweet and savoury snacks rising 9% year-on-year, while 78% of UK shoppers now buy Asian-inspired bagged snacks – highlighting strong appeal and clear opportunity in the category.

Furthermore, the company noted its launch follows a highly successful partnership with Parfetts, where Fini has become the fastest-growing total confectionery brand over the last 52 weeks, delivering 37% growth and securing a place among the wholesaler’s top 10 confectionery suppliers.

The company reported that Mochi is gaining momentum as shoppers seek out new flavours, textures and globally inspired treats. Online discussions around Asian sweet and savoury snacks are up 9 per cent year-on-year, while research shows 78 per cent of UK shoppers now purchase Asian-inspired bagged snacks1, underlining the growing mainstream appeal of the category.

Fini’s Mini Mochis Fruits and Mini Mochis Berries are designed to help retailers tap into this trend, offering a distinctive, eye-catching option that delivers against both impulse and sharing occasions.

Crucially, the range delivers on taste and texture – two of the biggest drivers of repeat purchase in sugar confectionery. Consumer research shows strong sensory appeal of the range, with shoppers responding particularly positively to the chewy mochi texture and bold, fruity flavour profiles[2], helping the range stand out on shelf and drive engagement beyond novelty alone.

The launch is in conjunction with a successful partnership between Cash & Carry and Delivered Wholesaler, Parfetts, where Fini has seen rapid growth driven by a focus on innovation and in-depot.

Commenting on the launch, Steven Greaves, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Fini, said: “Mochi is no longer a niche trend – it’s firmly moving into the mainstream. Our research shows strong purchase intent and standout sensory appeal, which gave us real confidence in launching Mini Mochis Fruits and Mini Mochis Berries into the UK market.

“What’s been especially encouraging is how quickly the range has performed in wholesale so far. There’s clear demand for something different in confectionery, and mochi delivers on flavour, texture and excitement.”