Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is bringing even more flavour and attitude to the energy drinks chiller with an exciting addition to its successful Monster Juiced range- Monster Juiced Bad Apple.
The Monster Juiced range is up 25 per cent in value, now worth over £244m in GB, fueling 29 per cent value growth in the flavoured energy sub-segment, led by Monster Juiced Mango Loco, the number one flavoured energy drink in GB worth a massive £79.7m.
Available from March 4 in plain and priced-marked cans, Monster Juiced Bad Apple combines the powerful Monster Energy blend with a crisp refreshing apple flavour that’s not too sweet, aiming to tap into the apple flavour’s popularity across adjacent categories including fruit juice and cider. The striking can design features an edgy female character grasping a Monster claw inscribed apple, guaranteed to deliver maximum stand-out on shelf.
Known among shoppers and retailers alike for its category-leading innovations, the Monster brand is now worth more than £613m and driving more value and volume growth than any other brand in the energy drinks category, which is now worth more than £1.96bn to retailers in GB.
Convenience retailers can request Monster Juiced Bad Apple POS materials and download digital assets via My.CCEP.com to help bring the launch to life in-store.
Helen Kerr, Associate Director of Portfolio Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: “More than half of energy drinks' innovation sales over the last year have come from Monster’s NPD – which has helped us grow our value sales by a massive £111m. And shoppers can’t get enough of our flavour-packed Monster Juiced range, which is up 25 per cent in value and growing ahead of the flavoured energy segment and the total energy category.
“Every year our Juiced launches are among the best performing NPDs, in terms of value sales, in energy drinks thanks to their big flavour profile that really pack a punch and we’re confident Bad Apple will be right up there. It’s one of our most daring launches yet and we can’t wait to see how retailers get behind it and bring the Monster attitude and culture to life in store.”
Bad Apple joins the eight strong Monster Juiced range which includes Mango Loco, Pipeline Punch, Aussie Lemonade, Khaotic, Pacific Punch, Monarch, Ripper and Mixxd Punch.
Leading confectionery manufacturer, Perfetti Van Melle, last night celebrated dual success as both Mentos Discovery (Sweets) and Mentos Duo Packs (Gum) were awarded the title of Product of the Year (POTY) for 2025.
This marks Perfetti Van Melle’s – and Mentos’ – third, consecutive POTY win. Mentos Fanta was awarded the prestigious title in 2023, whilst Mentos Pure Fresh Gum and Fruit-tella Curiosities were crowned winners in 2024, proving the brand’s consistent innovation and ability to capture consumer enthusiasm year after year.
After its launch in March 2024, Mentos Discovery single rolls have already delivered £1.3m in value sales. This milestone accounts for £1.9m incremental value sales to the brand and is a testament to its category-first innovation, boasting 14 different flavours in one roll. As the second-largest player in the hard chews category, the success of Mentos Discovery speaks not only to its taste and freshness, but also to the resonance of new flavours with consumers.
Mentos Duo Packs marked the second consecutive win for the brand in the Gum category, following last year’s victory with Mentos Pure Fresh Paper Bottles. The launch of Duo Packs, with its fully recyclable paper outer multipack, demonstrated how innovation and sustainability drive consumer enthusiasm. Valued at £14.7m, with Pure Fresh Gum alone worth £9.6m, Mentos leads the category.
To build on this momentum, Mentos will roll out a £1m summer media campaign later this year spanning PR, OOH social, influencers, VOD and eye-catching in-store POS. The campaign is designed to drive further awareness and engagement, ensuring that “Yes to Fresh” continues to be a compelling call to action for consumers and retailers everywhere.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate this double win for Mentos!" said Sarah du Plessis, Brand Manager at Mentos. "Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see consumers embrace our new products with such enthusiasm. From the bold flavours of Mentos Discovery to the sustainable brilliance of Duo Packs, we’re proving that fresh thinking really can deliver big results—whether it’s in taste, convenience, or sustainability. This is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be an exciting year for Mentos, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”
The winners of Product of the Year 2025 have been revealed, as decided by 8,000 UK consumers in the annual survey of product innovation that spotlights the A-list of FMCG and beyond.
Beauty, homeware and pet products have dominated the list this year – with two new categories, ‘Financial Services’ and ‘Garden Lifestyle’ making their debuts as Product of the Year firsts.
Over two decades, Product of the Year has gained a reputation for putting brands and products on the map, by giving them the recognition they deserve. The eye-catching logo has an 81 per cent recognition among shoppers and can be spotted in all major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. Commonly regarded as a seal of approval amid a sea of products on shop shelves, it’s a vote of confidence by consumers for consumers. The research has been independently conducted with the world’s leading data and insights company, Kantar. Brands that are fortunate to "walk away" with a coveted trophy also win the right to feature the iconic red Product of the Year logo.
Natural beauty is a recurring theme among this year’s beauty and wellness winners, which included Dove Advanced Care Body Wash range, NIVEA’s Serum-Infused Micellar Water Skin Glow – the UK’s first serum-infused micellar water, and Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Lotion SPF50 on the market Haircare and grooming winners were Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense (hair colour) and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Razor.
In the Beer corner, Birra Moretti 'Sale Di Mare', inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, won the prize. For RTDs, it was Jack Daniel's & Coca‑Cola, and Strongbow Strawberry – a much-celebrated addition to the fruity ciders range – won in the cider category.
Vegetarians will rejoice that Lurpak Plant Based, ree from palm oil, preservatives, colourings, and other additives, won the ‘Vegetarian’ category. The Walkers Extra Flamin' Hot range, which consists of Doritos, Wotsits Crunchy and Walkers Max, came top in ‘Crisps and Bagged Snacks’, and in the frozen aisle, Birds Eye Crispy Chips came top, combining the crispiness of French fries with the fluffiness of straight-cut chips.
Perfetti Van Melle scored a double victory with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Duo Packs also Mentos Discovery. The latter is a Perfetti Van Melle category-first this Product of the Year awards season – 14 iconic fruit flavours in one tube make for a tantalising taste experience.
Meanwhile, in soft drinks, three winners came a caffeine kick. Kenco Millicano Cadbury Mocha, a rich and creamy barista-style coffee experience won, alongside Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee and Starbucks Frappuccino Caramel No Added Sugar.
Pets were no doubt pleased that Felix Doubly Delicious Dry Cat Food was named the Product of the Year winner within the "Cat Food" category and Winalot Friday Suppers in "Dog Food".
“We’re delighted to see so many incredible innovators receive the recognition they deserve,” says Helga Slater, MD, Product of the Year. “From category-firsts to world-firsts, this year’s winners reveal an evolving consumer landscape and what better recognition than that of the voting public – all 8,000 of them!”
Here is the full list of 2025 Product of the Year winners across 39 categories to help your sales with the famous red sticker on the pack:
Bed, Simba St Ives Ottoman Bed, Simba Sleep Ltd
Bedding: Simba Hybrid Pillow, Simba Sleep Ltd
Beer: Birra Moretti 'Sale Di Mare', Heineken
Bladder Weakness: TENA Silhouette Incontinence Underwear, Essity UK Ltd
Body Skincare: Dove Advanced Care Body Wash Range, Unilever
In a precautionary move, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a recall of a limited number of its soft drink products in Britain due to the potential presence of elevated levels of chlorate.
This recall in Britain is part of a larger action taken by CCEP across Europe. Earlier this week, the company announced a significant recall of Coca-Cola, Sprite, and other beverages in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg due to similar concerns about elevated chlorate levels.
While the company noted that the risk to food safety is low, particularly for occasional consumers, individuals sensitive to chlorate - especially those with mild to moderate iodine deficiency - may face heightened health risks.
The recall affects specific batches of Appletiser 6x250ml cans and 330 ml ‘tall’ imported cans of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Sprite Zero, which were sent only to cafés and restaurants.
The company said standard-sized cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted. Consumers are also urged to check the production codes on the bottom of the cans, as only products with codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE are included in the recall.
Batch codes and best-before dates for the affected products are as follows:
Appletiser 100% Apple Juice Gently Sparkling (6 x 250ml multipack): Batch codes 0008905850 and 0008908477; best before 30 November 2025 and 31 December 2025.
Coca-Cola (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008912462; best before 30 November 2025.
Diet Coke (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913820; best before 31 May 2025.
Coca-Cola Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913954; best before 31 May 2025.
Sprite Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913247; best before 30 June 2025.
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing, can inhibit iodine uptake in the body when consumed over long periods. This may lead to adverse health effects such as goitre, particularly in individuals with pre-existing thyroid deficiencies. Acute exposure to high levels of chlorate could also impair the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood and, in severe cases, result in kidney failure.
CCEP has issued point-of-sale notices to retail stores to inform customers about the recall and provide guidance on what to do if they have purchased the affected products.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them. They should call Coca-Cola's customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.
Angel, a British brand from Vapes Bars, has introduced the Angel 20K, a reusable and rechargeable vaping device offering up to 20,000 puffs with 2 x 12ml pre-filled pods.
Available at a competitive £11.99 RRP, Vapes Bars said retailers can sell the device with confidence, as it is UK disposable vape ban exempt, featuring a fully compliant design with a 2ml pod and a 10ml refill container on each side, ensuring a total of 24ml e-liquid capacity, fully aligned with regulatory requirements.
In addition, vapers can now save up to 70 per cent with the Angel 20K, compared to traditional 2400-puff devices, enjoying superior flavour and unmatched convenience.
“As we step into 2025, Angel is setting a new direction for vaping innovation, sustainability, and cost savings. We’re not just about offering high-quality products; we’re a purpose-driven brand focused on creating a positive impact for both vapers and our B2B partners,” said Adam Matliwala, Vapes Bars chief executive.
The latest launch follows the launch last year of the Angel 2400 4-in-1 device, which combines four 2ml tanks into one versatile, rechargeable device.
Leading confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has revealed its range of Mother’s Day treats for 2025.
The range offers a wide variety of gifting options, from elegantly packaged confectionery and premium chocolate boxes to beloved classic treats.
The Bonds Pun Boxes are an award winning range and with vibrant packaging, these fun confectionery boxes are retailed for £2.
Hearts & Kisses and Love You More Than Pizza boxes are some of the best sellers from this range and excellent choices for Mother’s Day.
Another popular Bonds gifting option is the Bonds Pick ‘n’ Mix Set (RRP £3.50), filled with customer favourites including Teeth & Lips, Mini Jelly Babies, Watermelon Slices and Pink and Blue Bottles.
Chocolate Rose is a confectionery take on the traditional rose flower, a fun, loving gift, sure to wow and retails at just £1.
Candy Realms, The Sweetest Mix Candy Cup is a mix of classic confectionary favourites. Combining a range of Candy Realms sweets in one with an RRP of £1.99.
Hancocks also stocks the popular Anthon Berg premium chocolates, providing a luxurious Mother’s Day treat. This range includes chocolate cocktails and chocolate liqueurs, 16 pieces retail at £12.99.
Lindor Truffle Boxes are a popular choice of chocolate, with a selection to suit all tastes from dark to white chocolate and mint to blood orange flavours, with an RRP of £5.99.
Hancocks also stock options for vegetarian and vegan confectionery for Mothers Day.
Booja-Booja is an award-winning brand of luxurious vegan chocolate, perfect for treating mum. This premium vegan gift choice has an RRP of £14.99.