Chewits are expanding its stick pack ranges with a burst of new flavours, available in convenience and wholesale retailers; Blue Raspberry Chewits, Cherry Chewits, Sour Lemon Xtreme Chewits and Sour Cherry Xtreme Chewits.
Chewits launched in 1965 and is still the UK’s no.1 selling wrapped chew stick pack. It has been renowned for its chewy texture and great range of fruit and sour flavours, but this is the first time that Chewits has added new flavours to its core stick pack range, in over 10 years.
The sugar confectionery market is growing at 1.1% year on year and currently worth £1.07bn. Chewits is keen to capitalise on the continued success of the sector, by adding a burst of new flavours to its signature product formats - with that same chewtastic texture and taste. With this range of new flavours, Chewits is also looking to drive growth and attract new buyers in the single impulse category, which was hit hard by the pandemic, but still accounts for 36% of category sales.
It’s also been a long time since Chewits has added any new flavours to its successful Sour Xtreme Stick Pack, which launched in 2000 and is the UK’s number one selling sour stick pack. Sour flavours currently account for the largest portion of sugar confectionery growth (41%), so this is the ideal opportunity for growth.
Though Chewits recently expanded into the bonbon and hanging bags categories in 2020 with the introduction of its new Juicy Bites, Xtreme Sour Bites, Xtreme Sour Apple Laces and Fruity Twists, it has come back to its heritage for this new product development.
The stick packs of the chews are where Chewits first originated and these handy packs that deliver a perfect punch are ideally placed for portion control management and delivering that singular hit of fruit flavour and expand on the existing flavours in the chews range - Strawberry, Fruit Salad, Blackcurrant, Cola and Sour Apple.
The new flavours; Blue Raspberry Chewits and Cherry Chewits are available in 30g stick packs (RSP 49p). Sour Lemon Xtreme Chewits and Sour Cherry Xtreme Chewits are available in 34g stick packs (RSP 49p).
All of the new flavours are suitable for vegetarians and available from convenience stores and wholesalers nationwide:
Current wholesalers include: Bestway, Unitas, Parfetts and Sugro.
Nationwide retailers include Nisa and Spar
Speaking of the new flavours for its classic products, Sarah McDermott, Senior Brand Manager at Cloetta UK commented: “As Chewits stick packs have been around for almost 60 years, we know it’s important to renew and refresh the range with mouth-watering new flavours to attract new interest in these much-loved chews.
We want to replicate the success we had from the launch of our new product formats last year by building on our heritage and driving growth of our classics. We hope to see these fabulous new flavours become firm favourites like Strawberry, Fruit Salad and Sour Apple”.
NEO WTR, Europe’s first ethical spring water brand to use a 100 per cent Prevented Ocean Plastic bottle, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Northampton Saints – one of the UK’s top rugby union clubs.
By becoming their official Water Hydration Supplier, NEO WTR will ensure all players and support staff are kept hydrated both on and off the pitch. The men in Black, Green and Gold play their home matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, a historic ground with a capacity of over 15,000. Saints boast many current international stars amongst their squad including George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme – while legendary past players include Courtney Lawes, Paul Grayson, Dan Biggar, Ben Cohen and Dylan Hartley. Saints have a passionate fanbase, and are deeply connected to the community in Northamptonshire.
“Hydration is obviously key for our squad, and we’re excited to agree this new partnership with NEO WTR, who will play an important role in supporting our players with their training and matchday preparations,” said Ulundi Makhanya, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Northampton Saints.
“Superior hydration products help the team to perform at their very best, and aid recovery as well, so we are looking forward to working alongside NEO WTR to gain any edge we can on the pitch.
“Moreover, we’re delighted to begin a new partnership with sustainability at the forefront. Our ambition at Saints is to operate the most sustainable rugby stadium in the country, and to be a pioneer for sustainability in rugby and beyond.
“We have already made great progress in this space, signing up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2022 and hosting our first ever ‘Green Game’ last season. We continue to investigate new opportunities and technologies to help us achieve our sustainability goals, and given NEO WTR’s efforts to help the environment and reduce plastic pollution, they are a perfect partner for us moving forwards.”
UK-based NEO WTR launched in June 2024 and is Europe’s first drinks brand to use a recycled bottle that is made from ocean-bound plastic. Directly addressing the huge plastic pollution issue that is being faced globally, NEO WTR bottles are made using recycled plastic which has been produced from discarded bottles collected across at-risk coastlines, in a true bottle-to-bottle circular solution that supports ocean protection in the process.
Not only does NEO WTR offer environmental benefits, but the brand is supporting social efforts globally, choosing to source material from the POP programme, which offers fair rates of pay and higher standards to local collectors. Money from the programme is invested in building recycling facilities in countries that need them most.
Raffi Schieir, Director of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. and Founder of the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme, said: “Prevented Ocean Plastic is thrilled to be working with NEO WTR and welcome their new partnership with Northampton Saints. We collect plastic from where it doesn’t belong and give it a new life, like in NEO’s bottles. We congratulate both organisations for making their better plastic choice. Together we can tackle ocean plastic pollution. Which might just be easier than tackling Prevented Ocean Plastic ambassador, England Rugby Captain Marlie Packer.”
Araminta Karol, Marketing Manager at NEO WTR added, “we are delighted to become the official water hydration supplier of Northampton Saints. Working with such a high profile club will allow us to amplify our sustainability mission, working with the team to demonstrate healthy, ethical hydration. Fuelling our body correctly is essential, especially when playing sport at a professional level; hydration is a key part of that.”
Ferrero UK has unveiled Tic Tac Two, the latest innovation in its Tic Tac portfolio. The new sugar-free product brings a fresh twist to the brand, offering dual flavours and delivering a unique blend of enjoyment and refreshment. This launch presents a significant opportunity for retailers to drive their impulse sales and category growth.
Tic Tac Two makes its global debut in the UK this month, featuring three contrasting flavour combinations. Raspberry & Lemon and Strawberry & Lime offer a fruity twist, while Fresh & Mild Spearmint is perfect for those seeking a classic refreshment, complemented by a subtle undertone. With a new double-sided format, Tic Tac Two allows consumers to mix flavours to suit their mood.
Pocket sugar confectionery remains a valuable opportunity for the impulse channel, with Tic Tac ranking among the top five brands within the category and contributing £8m in sales. Building on this strong performance, Tic Tac Two is positioned to maintain the brand’s relevance while offering retailers a chance to engage with shoppers and meet the growing demand for on the go confectionery.
Tic Tac Dual Flavour
The product’s iconic packaging and dual flavour concept creates a standout opportunity to attract impulse purchases, while also appealing to the young adult demographic looking to try a new product from a trusted brand.
“This launch positions Tic Tac as the perfect refreshment for on-the-go occasions, introducing a playful twist for consumers’ evolving preferences," said a Ferrero spokesperson. "We’re continuing to innovate and are confident Tic Tac Two is a great addition for retailers looking to tap into the growing demand for on-the-go products.”
The fruity combinations of Raspberry & Lemon and Strawberry & Lime provide a delightful twist on traditional fruit flavours, offering a vibrant and tangy treat that appeals to adventurous flavour seekers. The Fresh & Mild Spearmint option caters to those who prefer a more classic and refreshing sensation.
Tic Tac Two will be rolling out across grocery, convenience and wholesale channels from February with an RRP of £1.70.
Häagen-Dazs is redefining indulgence for 2025 with the launch of its new Stickbars.
Featuring fan-favourite flavours of the luxury ice cream, now wrapped in an extra thick Belgian chocolate-coating shell that cracks to reveal the sweet treat, the range hits freezers nationwide from January.
The launch sees Häagen-Dazs’ signature flavours transformed into a convenient yet sophisticated stick form, uniquely shaped as the brand’s iconic cartouche. Going the extra mile, the brand collaborated with its customers to perfect the Stickbars and craft a new crowd-pleasing recipe, delivering a premium taste experience that elevates every moment.
For those craving indulgence, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and exclusive to Co-op, Macadamia Nut Brittle, will be the new go-tos, while Mango & Passionfruit is ideal for those looking for something fresh and fruity, using a luscious combination of ice-cream and sorbet.
"We want to put consumers first. After lots of hard work behind the scenes – from extensive consumer testing, to working hand in hand with them to perfect our recipe – we’re over the moon to kick off 2025 with one of our biggest launches to date; new Häagen-Dazs Stickbars,” said Nicole Whelan, Head of Brand.
“Combining the premium quality of our iconic ice cream with thick, cracking Belgian chocolate to create an irresistible and convenient way to indulge, our Stickbars are a delicious way to elevate your ice cream offering.
“Backed by a significant, six figure campaign investment, and plenty in the pipeline designed to reach ice cream lovers nationally, it’s set to be the summer of Häagen-Dazs – so watch this space!’”
Häagen-Dazs Stickbars three-packs are available at Co-op and other stores now, RRP from £4.25
Häagen-Dazs Stickbars singles will be available to order from April, RRP £2.65
Salted Caramel
Häagen-Dazs’ best-selling flavour, Salted Caramel has been reimagined into the ultimate stick experience. The ice cream is laced with luscious rivers of salted caramel sauce and studded with pieces of golden caramel for an extra satisfying crunch. Encased in a thick layer of silky Belgian milk chocolate, it’s the ideal balance of smooth, salty, and sweet.
Cookies & Cream
For fans of the classic, Cookies & Cream has been transformed and elevated, proving that true iconic flavours never go out of style. Generous chunks of crunchy cookie pieces are blended with rich vanilla ice cream and enrobed in a thick coating of Belgian milk chocolate. The goldmine of crumbled cookies buried throughout gives each bite a crunch that makes the timeless flavour even more irresistible.
Mango & Passionfruit
For consumers craving something fresh and fruity, exclusive flavours, Mango & Passionfruit offers the best of both worlds, combining vibrant fruit sorbet and smooth ice cream, uniquely wrapped in a crunchy chocolate coating embedded with real fruit pieces.
Haagen-Dazs Launches Innovative Stick bars: Premium Ice Cream Meets Crackable Chocolate in Convenient New Format
February sees the re-emergence of Pep & Lekker within the plant-based fixture, no longer as a tasty, pocket-sized savoury nibble, but as a functional cracker that once again supports improved gut health and a wholesome gluten-free agenda, made to an ambitious allergy-free recipe using 12 plant varieties made from the whole six plant groups spectrum.
Historically, savoury crackers have been the unsung heroes of the lunchbox or cheeseboard, paying the role of humble sidekick to whatever cheeses, chutneys or pickles might be on display.
It’s intriguing that a category that traditionally champions artisanal values, intriguing hero ingredients and sublime flavours is now welcoming an authentic disruptor to the fray who wants to add ‘functional prowess’ into the conversation. These are two varieties of all-natural, plant-based savoury seeded crackers that are high in fibre and beneficial Omega 3’s and an impressive source of beneficial protein and magnesium.
Bound with olive oil and not planet-unfriendly palm oil or vegetable oils, this gluten-free larder essential is menopause-friendly and includes no added sugar, securing its natural sweetness from apple puree and chicory inulin
Each 110g box contains approximately nine crackers and comes in Rosemary & Original flavour formats.
Nestlé Confectionery has unveiled its 2025 Easter range, comprising new treats and popular classics.
New for 2025: Milkybar Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Giant Egg, Aero Melts Neapolitan Ice Cream Giant Egg, KitKat Chunky Chocolate Brownie Crunch Incredible Egg, KitKat Mini Eggs Sharing Bag and Rowntree’s Jellytastic Mini Egg Bar.
Ice cream fans can look forward to two new offerings from some of Britain’s most beloved confectionery brands. The Milkybar Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Giant Egg is a delicious mix of half white chocolate shell and half raspberry flavour shell and features a Milkybar Raspberry Ripple Sharing Bag, filled with marbled white and pink raspberry flavour pieces.
Aero Melts Neapolitan Ice Cream Giant Egg combines Neapolitan flavours in a strawberry and vanilla flavour milk chocolate egg and comes with an Aero Neapolitan Sharing Bag containing bubbly milk chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavour melts.
There are two new products to try from KitKat. The indulgent KitKat Chunky Chocolate Brownie Crunch Incredible Egg is a smooth brownie flavoured milk chocolate shell with crunchy biscuit pieces and comes with two KitKat Chunky Double Chocolate Brownie bars.
The new KitKat Mini Eggs Sharing Bag features individually wrapped chocolate eggs filled with crunchy pieces of signature KitKat wafer, perfect for sharing this spring.
The Rowntree’s Randoms egg will return, bringing together Rowntree’s and Nestlé chocolate to create a shell with marshmallow pieces and Rowntree’s fruity flavoured sweets creating a delicious one-of-a-kind Easter egg. Lucky recipients of this egg will also receive a sharing bag of Rowntree’s Randoms.
Rowntree’s has its Jellytastic Mini Egg Bar joining the Easter line up this year. The milk chocolate bar is dotted with fruity flavoured jelly pieces mixing up textures and flavours to make an out of the ordinary treat.
Egg hunts are still part of the fun at Easter, and Nestlé Confectionery has three brands returning this year. The KitKat Easter Egg Hunt pack has eight milk chocolate Easter eggs made with signature KitKat crunchy wafer pieces, ready to be hidden away as part of an Easter Egg hunt activity. Smarties and Milkybar also have packs to join in with the fun.
For a premium experience, the After Eight Premium Egg returns, with a rich mint flavoured dark chocolate shell and a pack of signature After Eight mint chocolate thins.
The Milkybar Mini Egg Block is back again, with crispy milk chocolate mini-inclusions dotted inside a smooth white chocolate bar. Shoppers can expect to see egg offerings from many of the Nestlé Confectionery brands they know and love including KitKat, Aero, Rowntree’s, Lion, Toffee Crisp, Smarties, Munchies, Rolo, Yorkie and Milkybar.
All Nestlé Confectionery chocolate is made using 100% certified Rain Forest Alliance cocoa.