Core Group, the new field sales and distribution partner for Britain’s bestselling e-liquid, 88vape, has unveiled some new deals exclusively for independent convenience retailers and forecourts, UK-wide.
Under their distribution agreement with 88vape brand owner Supreme PLC, Core’s introductory offer focuses on 88vape’s 11 top selling e-liquid flavours across two nicotine levels, 6mg and 11mg, supplied in a counter display unit (CDU). This range appeals to the nearly 70 per cent of vapers using e-liquids of up to 12 mg/m strength. Core is also offering four 88vape flavours in 3mg and 16mg strengths.
The 88vape flavours available include the best seller Menthol Chill, Rolling Leaf, Sweet Strawberry, Liquorice, Raspberry Ripple, Fusion, Peach Dream, Lemon Sherbet, Rainbow Burst and Cola Ice.
As an introductory offer, independent convenience retailers can order 120 bottles of 88vape e-liquid worth £120 at MRRP for just £30 (ex VAT), giving a 400 per cent POR. Retailers will also receive an 88vape countertop Perspex display unit and full POS kit (A3 counter mat, A3 and A2 posters and an A5 counter talker) free of charge to highlight the 88vape brand’s availability in store. (See end for full details).
Core’s second exclusive package enables retailers to offer some popular 88vape vaping hardware. For £38 (ex VAT), customers receive 6x 88vape Advanced Classic Vapourizer Black, 10x 88vape Ce4 Clear, 2x 88vape Pro Pod Kits and 10x 88vape Pro Pod Replacement. Retailers will also receive an 88vape display board to help increase the brand’s instore visibility. Retailers can sell these pieces of hardware at 60 per cent POR.
And there’s a bonus offer, too. Buy the e-liquid and hardware offers together for a total of £68 (ex VAT), and Core will add 10 bottles of 88Vape Menthol Chill 6mg 10ml and 10 bottles of 88Vape Menthol Chill 11mg 10ml, worth £20 at MRRP, free of charge.
Retailers can order these packages direct from Core’s website, www.core-retail.com. Products will be delivered via courier. A member of the Core sales team will be following up in person with all customers to offer retailers valuable post-sales support and to hand-deliver larger items of POS.
Andrew Noble, Core Marketing Director comments: “We’re delighted to welcome the 88vape brand into our family, alongside our SIM cards and mobile accessories," said Andrew Noble, Core Marketing Director.
"These eye-catching offers should not be missed as they enable independent convenience retailers, including forecourts, to profit from Britain’s biggest selling vape liquids brand and take advantage of high-demand and excellent brand awareness.”
Premium vodka-based RTD brand Four Loko has released its new limited edition flavour, Black, which consists of a surprisingly green serve.
With notes of kiwi and an ABV of 8.4 per cent, Four Loko Black delivers a fresh and fruity blast to “excite the senses”, while the striking black and green can delivers high on-shelf visibility to help maximise sales and encourage shoppers to the fixture.
“With the festive season now upon us, this is the perfect time for consumers to get their hands on this limited edition release and embrace the season with an exciting new taste sensation,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko distributor Red Star Brands.
Four Loko Black is now available in 440ml cans, RRP £3.49, for a limited time only. Sales support focusing on the new ‘Party in a Can’ campaign includes a range of in-store POS material featuring shelf barkers, wobblers and digital aisle fins, as well as high-profile social media and influencer campaigns.
“We know that NPD drives consumer interest in the RTD category so we’re excited to add some more vibrant colour in the run-up to Christmas,” added McIlroy. “Dark Berry Burst launched in May 2024 and is now the number two fastest-selling SKU behind Four Loko White, so we have high hopes for Black.
“The fact that premium priced RTDs have grown faster than any other segment in the last two years means that there are some great opportunities out there for retailers to capitalise on this popularity.”
The launch of Four Loko Black is being supported by the “Party in a Can” campaign, designed to engage the brand’s target Gen Z audience through multiple platforms and social media channels. The campaign encourages consumers to share their #FourLokoMoments – authentic, fun experiences where Four Loko is part of the celebration. This user-generated content approach will help create organic brand ambassadors, showcasing real-life enjoyment of Four Loko and highlighting the spirit of #PartyInACan.
Selected entrants will have the chance to receive exclusive merchandise and become part of Four Loko’s brand story. To further support the launch, Four Loko has also partnered with Snappy Shopper in Scotland for Black Friday promotions, offering exclusive deals on For Loko Black during the festive season.
“The idea is to bring to life the brand’s authentic, bold positioning while driving deeper connections through social engagement,” added McIlroy. “This exciting campaign is anchored by out-of-home executions and influencer content that complement these consumer-driven stories.”
Four Loko’s premium vodka-based, caffeine-free RTDs are all available in 440ml cans. The launch of Four Loko Black brings the total range available to 10 flavours; other variants include Pink Melon, Dark Berry Burst, White, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical, Blue, Fruit Punch, Gold and Tutti Frutti (all 8.4 per cent ABV).
The UK market has seen volumes up five per cent for nuts and 3.4 per cent for dried fruits as consumers become increasingly aware of the potentially negative impact of ultra-processed foods and seek out healthier baking and snacking options, including dried fruits and nuts.
Itac’s comprehensive range offers premium quality nuts and dried fruits ideal for home baking in the run-up to Christmas, and for those looking to take part in Veganuary in the new year. Available in large pack sizes from 350-900g, they not only make the perfect baking and cooking ingredient, they are also ideal for larger family snacking and entertaining.
From pistachios to walnuts, Brazil nuts to almonds and everything in between, the range can help drive sales by catering to consumers appetite for wholesome and natural products. Whilst their long shelf life and ambient storage make them convenient and easy to store.
“The next three months offer retailers a huge opportunity with consumers looking to create festive recipes in the run up to Christmas and often switching to a more health-focused, vegan outlook in January and beyond," said said Ricardo Miralles, Marketing Manager, Importaco Nuts. Our premium nuts and dried fruits are the very best quality and allow consumers to enjoy the natural magic of nuts and dried fruit. What’s more, they offer real versatility for consumers – elevating a whole host of dishes, both sweet and savoury – and, because of their long ambient shelf life, retailers are also able to ensure waste – and the associated cost – is minimised.”
Itac have teamed by with chef Thomas Leatherbarrow to create a range of recipes perfect for the winter season which can be views on the campaign website.
Itac’s extensive premium nuts and dried fruits range is available to purchase in the fresh produce section at Booker Wholesale.
Mangrove Global welcomes a range of Spanish spirits to its award-winning portfolio, as it takes on the UK distribution for Spanish spirits group, Osborne. Mangrove will add four brandies to its range along with a gin*.
Osborne, which is based in El Puerto de Santa Maria in the Cádiz region of Spain, represents the best of Spanish produce, including its stellar collection of Spanish spirits. Mangrove will take on the distribution of all spirits available in the UK, building on the foundations already completed by previous distributor.
“We’re committed to building a well-rounded and world-class portfolio of independent spirits – and welcoming outstanding Spanish brandies and Osborne’s unique Atlantic gin into the portfolio is a great moment for us," said Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global.
“Our portfolio features high-quality liquids that satisfy the discerning consumer and have a great back story too – Osborne’s collection of spirits fits the bill perfectly.”
Mangrove will distribute a selection of the award-winning Carlos 1 series of brandies, which are produced via traditional Spanish distilling techniques, using high quality grapes from the region, and aged in the unique climate of South-western Spain in their highly appreciated very old sherry casks. The range offers something luxurious and sippable at every price point, with each spirit showcasing the mastery of Spanish distilling.
As well as the Carlos 1 series, Mangrove will distribute Veterano Solera Reserva, an exceptional brandy for those who like a brandy-based old-fashioned as much as a sipping spirit. And into a different category, Mangrove will also distribute Nordes Atlantic Galician Gin - which brings UK drinkers a refreshing and somewhat Spanish twist on our beloved spirit.
“This agreement is part of the company's international development, which plans to build Osborne brands in our strategic markets," said said Maarten Van Dam, Western Europe Area Director at Osborne. "We are very satisfied and excited, since we share many values with Mangrove, and we will be able to bring to the UK market a selection of our spirit´s portfolio and continue advancing in our purpose of being ambassadors of the best Spanish gastronomy."
In 1772, James Duff and Jean Haurie, two of the biggest names in the history of sherry, founded a company which Thomas Osborne Mann would later join as a partner. A distinguished merchant and winemaker, he grew and developed the business, a task continued by his widower Aurora Böhl de Faber y Ruiz de Larrea and gain sole ownership in 1857.
Today, 250 years later, Osborne continues to be a family saga and business venture guided by a vision: to be a leading international ambassador of Spanish food and beverages.
* Mangrove takes on distribution for the following spirits: Carlos I Gran Reserva – an aromatic brandy that’s great for mixing; Carlos 1 Gran Reserva Pedro Ximenez – a chewy brandy with notes of caramelised oak and black liquorice; Carlos I Imperial Gran Reserva XO – a mahogany coloured brandy that’s silky with nutty flavours; Veterano Solera Reserva – a brandy with a deliciously unique flavour that’s ideal in an old-fashioned, and the drinkable Nordes Atlantic Galician Gin with its delicious notes of fruits, white flowers, and herbs.
Hot on the heels of the launch of Mud House Sauvignon Blanc in Mini Box format, Accolade Wines is continuing to diversify and is expanding its mini-boxed wine portfolio with the addition of fan-favourite wine: Jam Shed Shiraz – guaranteed to stay fresh for up to six weeks.
Known for its rich, bold and jammy flavour profile, the Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box is widely available across grocery and retail channels. A key benefit of boxed wine is that its freshness and quality is preserved for up to six weeks after opening, so consumers can savour the wine at their own pace or share with friends over multiple occasions. Delivering a 26 per cent overall size reduction and a 13.6 per cent cardboard by weight reduction compared to Accolade’s previous 1.5L format, this innovation sets a new standard across the category, proving it’s possible to prioritise convenience and sustainability, without compromising on taste.
The Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box features similar functional, clear messaging that educates and engages consumers at the point of sale, such as on-pack distinct flavour cues, designed to enhance brand recognition and make it easier for shoppers to navigate. Whilst, retailers can benefit from enhanced efficiency, with the design allowing for 12.7 per cent more wine per pallet compared to Accolade’s previous 1.5L boxes.
The launch comes off the back of new research conducted by Accolade Wines, that has explored consumer’s evolving attitudes towards alternative wine packaging. The research identifies significant barriers to broader adoption, including the generational divide in the acceptance and preference for alternative wine packaging. The research also highlights the need for innovation in boxed wine design and messaging.
“With the festive season just around the corner, the launch of the Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box couldn’t be timelier," said Lucy Ramsay, Head of Portfolio, Innovation and Sustainability - Europe, at Accolade Wines, "It’s ideal for social, holiday gatherings, making it easy to share a delicious, quality wine with friends and family. Plus, its guaranteed freshness for up to six weeks after opening means that consumers can savour the taste of Christmas long after the festivities have ended.
“There’s still a big job to be done in terms of educating consumers about the benefits of alternative wine packaging and breaking down long-standing stigma, but Accolade Wines is entirely committed to driving this change through the launch of our new Mini Boxes, including Jam Shed and the recently launched Mud House Sauvignon Blanc”.
Nestlé and Formula 1 announced a worldwide partnership, making KitKat the official chocolate bar of Formula 1.
This multi-year collaboration is Nestlé's largest global brand partnership to date, signaling the ambition to reach a wider audience and achieve a higher rate of global growth.
With an estimated fanbase of 700 million fans worldwide, F1 is growing in popularity including with a younger and more diverse audience. The collaboration will officially launch during the 2025 season, marking the 90th anniversary of KitKat and the 75th anniversary of F1. It will then expand across the world throughout 2026.
F1 enthusiasts can look forward to consumer activations, promotional prizes (such as tickets and merchandise) and immersive fan zones at select Grands Prix, with trackside branding, and cheerful, light-hearted content.
"Formula 1 is a global phenomenon with a rapidly growing, diverse fanbase, especially among younger adults," said Bernard Meunier, head of strategic business units and marketing and sales at Nestlé.
"With its global reach and packed schedule, F1 offers KitKat the perfect platform to remind everyone to make time for a break. We’re excited to bring our signature sense of fun to this thrilling sport and to create memorable experiences for fans around the world."
Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer at Formula 1, said: "We’re delighted to have such a globally recognised and fun brand as KitKat joining us as a partner. They’re universally loved and we can’t wait to see the fantastic experiences they’ll be bringing to our fans at the track and the new audiences they’ll introduce to the sport."