Imperial Brands has launched an exciting range of new flavours to its rechargeable blu bar kit vape line, following increasing demand from customers for more flavour options.
Launched in independents on March 3. the new additions consists of three new kit flavours – each comprising of a rechargeable blu bar device and flavoured pod - and 11 new blu pod flavours, so customers can buy and try a total of 15 flavours across the range.
The three new kit flavours are Watermelon Ice, Blueberry Ice, and Blueberry Sour Razz, whilst the replaceable packs of 2 pods are now available in Blueberry Ice, Lemon Lime, Strawberry Ice, Berry Mix, Kiwi Passionfruit, Mint, Apple, Grape, Banana Ice, Blueberry Cherry, and Triple Melon. The blu pod packs and blu bar kits both carry an RRP of £5.99.
The launch is a response to the growing popularity of fruity flavours among users of vape products. This is especially the case among current users of disposable vape products, who will have to consider alternatives in the light of the anticipated disposable vape ban on 1st June 2025.
According to recent research, the top 10 most popular flavours amongst UK users of disposable vapes are fruit-based - with Lemon Lime, Pineapple Ice and Strawberry Ice coming in as the top three.
Imperial Brand’s latest launch will therefore be welcome news to disposable vape users seeking a similar flavour experience as they make the transition to rechargeable vaping systems.
Fruity flavours were also popular with existing users of pod-based devices, followed by mint flavours. The top three flavours for users of pod-based vaping systems were Mixed Fruit, Blue Raspberry Ice, and Peppermint Tobacco.
This research is also backed-up by a recent VapeHub study, which surveyed 450 UK vape users. When asked for their three most preferred flavours, 64 per cent mentioned fruit – more than double that of any other flavour type.
Imperial Brands launched blu bar kit last summer, to provide consumers with an alternative to disposables that mirrors the same flavour experience and convenience that has driven the demand for disposables – with a post-ban compliant device.
Providing users with an impressive 1000 puffs per pod, the blu bar kit is a sleek, slimline and lightweight device that offers the easy use and portability of a disposable device, while the rechargeable 550mAh battery and USB-C charging port enable repeated use.
Each durable blu bar device comes in a premium brushed metallic finish for in-hand longevity. Liquid level visibility means customers can easily see when pods need replacing, and with pod safety a priority, a security lock ensures the device is fully protected when not in use.
The blu pod packs each contain two pods allowing a total of 2,000 puffs, and the blu bar kit utilises blu Flavour Tech mesh coil technology to deliver intense flavour from the first puff to the last. Users of Imperial Brands blu bar 1000 disposable device will already be familiar with the technology, delivering a great taste experience that vaping customers demand.
Yawer Rasool, Consumer Marketing Director UK & Ireland at Imperial Brands, commented: “The vape market in the UK is being driven by two key factors – flavour choice and ease of use.
"As the availability of disposable vapes comes to an end in the UK, our extended blu bar range has been designed to be just as easy to use as a disposable vape product, while offering the most popular flavours in a reuseable pod format.
“Given that the overall pod market nearly doubled in the last year, mainly due to growth in the availability of products which offer the same convenience as disposable vapes, it is clear that the new blu bar kit and pods are a ‘must stock’ item for retailers.”
Award-winning snack maker, Burts, has announced the launch of its brand-new flavour of ridges; Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney, and packaging refresh which will launch in mid-March of 2025.
Available as 40g packs, the new flavour of ridges serves as a more substantial snack with deep ridges holding more flavour to capture an even bolder Burts taste.
The ridges promise a perfect blend of rich, savoury cheddar sourced locally from Quicke’s Cheese Shop, complemented by the sweet tang of caramelised onion chutney.
Alongside the new flavour, Burts is unveiling a bold new look across the entire range. The refreshed packaging has been designed with enhanced flavour cues to highlight the rich, distinctive tastes that set the brand apart.
The updated design not only reinforces the premium quality of the crisps but also ensures strong shelf appeal, making it easier than ever for customers to spot their favourite flavours.
At Burts, quality starts at the source, which is why the brand proudly uses locally sourced potatoes from trusted British farmers.
By working closely with growers in the Southwest region including Trenowth Farm, Splattenridden Farm and others, it is ensured the crisps are made with the finest, freshest ingredients while supporting local agriculture.
Each potato is carefully selected for its quality and taste, meaning every batch delivers the signature crunch and flavour that Burts is known for, and as with all Burts products, are gluten-free and contain no added MSG, artificial colours.
Commenting on the new flavour and packaging refresh, Sas Horscroft, Head of Marketing at Burts Snacks Ltd said, “We’re excited to unveil the new Cheddar and Caramelised Onion Chutney flavour, a bold and irresistible addition to our ridges range.
At the same time, our refreshed packaging brings the entire ridges range to life, with vibrant designs and enhanced flavour cues that reflect the premium quality and big flavours our brand is known for.
It’s an exciting step forward for Burts as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional snacking experiences.”
PepsiCo is introducing its "Max Your Snacks" retailer guide this March, a category guide designed to help convenience stores optimise their savoury snacks range through practical, easy-to-implement advice. In fact, convenience retailers could be sitting on an average of £17.8k worth of savoury snacks sales every year in-store. By executing the category in the right way, retailers could truly maximise sales and drive an additional uplift of 16 per cent.
In the UK, 99 per cent of the population consume savoury snacks, and within convenience outlets specifically, 50 per cent of shoppers purchase from the category. PepsiCo’s Max Your Snacks guide offers insights on the right space, range, layout, points of interruption and the right NPD to make the most of the category. It’s been designed to equip retailers with the tools and insights needed to support category expansion, and shines a light on the importance of price-marked packs (PMPs) within savoury snacks. The format helps build shopper trust and encourages impulse buys, offering clarity and value to shoppers.
“At PepsiCo, we are committed to supporting the convenience channel and independent retailers in driving maximum success in their stores,” said Nic Storey, Senior Sales Director, Impulse, at PepsiCo. “Through our ‘Max Your Snacks’ guide, we’re equipping retailers with expert insights to help them feel confident, informed, and empowered to grow their business and unlock additional revenue. While launches like Extra Flamin’ Hot and Doritos Dinamita have injected excitement into the category, NPD is just one part of savoury snacking. It’s vital that we also work collaboratively with our retail partners to support our range as well and help them make PMPs work as hard as possible. This is a key format for the channel which we continue to support, ensuring our core range and bestsellers are available at great value to shoppers.”
Available exclusively via *shopt, PepsiCo is also giving retailers the chance to earn cash rewards for downloading the guide, plus an exclusive competition for those who engage with the principles. Kicking off from 17 March 2025, retailers who successfully download the Max Your Snacks guide via *shopt will earn £2 in credit on their account. From 1 April 2025, retailers who have successfully downloaded the guide will then be invited to take part in a follow-up offer to stock five of PepsiCo’s recommended PMP SKUs. Retailers who upload a photo of the stocked items will be entered into a prize draw, with 30 winners each receiving £100.
PepsiCo’s Max Your Snacks guide is available via *shopt and can be accessed by independent and symbol group retailers with a *shopt account. To enter the competition and discover expert strategies to unlock your category’s full potential, download the *shopt app now at https://www.shopt.digital/en-gb/#download.
Recommended PMP Range:
Doritos EFH 70g PMP
Doritos Chilli Heatwave 70g PMP
Doritos Cool Original 70g PMP
Doritos Tangy Cheese 70g PMP
Walkers Max EFH 70g PMP
Wotsits Crunchy EFH 60g PMP
Wotsits Crunchy Cheese 60g PMP
Wotsits Crunchy FH 60g PMP
Walkers Smokey Bacon 32.5g Single PMP
Walkers Roast Chicken 32.5g Single PMP
Walkers Ready Salted 70g PMP
Walkers C&O 70g PMP
Walkers S&V 70g PMP
Walkers Prawn Cocktail 70g PMP
Walkers Max Punchy Paprika 70g PMP
Sensations TSC 65g PMP
Cheetos Twisted FH 65g PMP
Cheetos Twisted FH 30g PMP
Cheetos Crunchy Cheese 30g PMP
Monster Munch Flamin’ Hot 72g PMP
Monster Munch Pickled Onion 72g PMP
Monster Munch Roast Beef 72g PMP
Squares S&V 72g PMP
Squares C&O 72g PMP
Quavers Cheese 54g PMP
Wotsits Cheese 60g PMP
French Fries C&O 54g PMP
Smiths Frazzles 75g PMP
Short terms
Open to GB 18+ *shopt account holders only. Competition opens [00:01] (UK time) on 17/03/2025 and closes at [23:59] (UK time) on 29/04/2025. To qualify, entrants must successfully redeem the offer entitled “Max Your Snacks” by following the “Download Now” link and successfully downloading the category guide. Retailers who have successfully downloaded the guide will receive a follow up offer to stock five of the Max Your Snacks PMP SKUs. To qualify, entrants must successfully redeem the offer entitled “Stock 5 PMP for a Chance to Win £100” by following the “Claim Now” link and successfully stocking of five Max Your Snacks PMP SKUs will result in retailers being automatically entered into a prize draw offering the chance for 30 retailers to win £100 each. Please note entrants need to make their claim before the closing date. Eligible participants will be awarded via their *shopt wallet. Max 1 entry per store. Full T&Cs can be found HERE Promoter: CPM United Kingdom Limited, a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales with registered company number 01757157 and registered office address at 85 Strand, 5th Floor, London, England, WC2R 0DW.
Kepak Foods Division is launching a new brand, “Grab a Bite”, for the out-of-home sector. The range will enable operators to offer hot, tasty and on-trend food 24/7 with minimal operational complexity and labour requirements. The range, which is fully assembled, will be supplied frozen which will enable operators to manage their stock levels and reduce wastage through a Thaw, Heat and Serve Process.
With research showing that burgers are the second most popular dish in the food-to-go market, driving growth at breakfast and lunch, the range is launching with top-selling Burger variants – The Barbecue Chicken Burger, The Classic Cheeseburger, and The Morning Sausage and Cheese Muffin. A wider range of products will follow later this year.
“We are excited to announce the launch of ‘Grab a Bite’ into the Out of Home market,” said Brian Farrell, Kepak Foods Division CEO. “Consumers are increasingly demanding no-compromise food offerings at a time and place that suits them whilst operators are under increasing pressure from the cost of doing business, particularly the availability and cost of labour. We saw a gap in the market to make great tasting hot food that can be prepared easily by operators. Grab a Bite sets a new standard of quality in the market and has been thoroughly researched. Its development has leveraged Kepak’s food-to-go operational expertise, its market leading expertise in the production and assembly of Burgers and Hot Sandwiches and a significant R&D effort”.
Designed to work across all hot vending and heat-and-serve concepts, ‘Grab a Bite’ is suitable for all skill levels and reduces health and safety risks. The products can be cooked in pack using a combi oven, high-speed oven, or microwave.
Hot vending solutions for out-of-home food businesses
Polytag, a leading packaging solutions provider, has announced the achievement of two International Standards Organisation (ISO) certifications, reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of quality, information security, and privacy management.
Polytag has been awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, demonstrating its dedication to both quality excellence and robust information security.
ISO 9001 underscores the company’s commitment to operational efficiency, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, while ISO 27001 ensures strong data protection measures and compliance with international security standards.
Together, these certifications provide Polytag’s customers and partners with confidence in its ability to deliver secure, high-quality solutions at scale.
As a supplier of GS1 UK-approved QR codes and invisible UV tags, Polytag tracks packaging lifecycles through data collection and sharing, showing when, where, and how much consumers interact with and recycle packaging.
These ISO certifications validate the security and quality of Polytag’s technology, reinforcing trust among top brands and retailers.
By meeting these internationally recognised standards, Polytag empowers businesses to track packaging throughout the supply chain, enhance transparency, and drive progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy.
Jon Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at Polytag, said: "As we continue to scale our solutions for businesses worldwide, ensuring the integrity, security, and quality of our operations is paramount. Achieving both ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence.
"ISO 9001 reinforces our process-based approach, commitment to continuously improving our offering and dedication to our customers, while ISO 27001 ensures that we meet the highest security standards in managing sensitive information.
"Together, they provide our partners with confidence in our ability to deliver secure, reliable and high-quality solutions at scale.”
Last year in April, not-for-profit company DDRS Alliance, whose members include Circularity Solutions, Recycl3r, ACE UK, Tetra Pak and Valpak, joined hands with Polytag to accelerate the development and adoption of Digital DRS in the UK.
As the launch date for a DRS in the UK is reportedly delayed further until 2028, the two organisations have pledged to work collaboratively and leverage their experience and expertise to demonstrate the viability and convenience of a Digital DRS.
The move ensures alignment of the two leading organisations in the development of Digital DRS and underpins the approach to develop a global blueprint.
The timing of their alignment is motivated by a shared intention to deliver a viable solution for Digital DRS in the UK and other major European countries.
The UK's leadimg supplier of Caribbean food and drink, Grace Foods UK, has launched its best-selling range of drinks, Grace Tropical Rhythms, in price-marked packs.
The drinks range are available in selected convenience stores across the country priced at £1.79 for 475ml bottles.
Grace Tropical Rhythms is a range of drinks that features four tantalisingly refreshing, thirst-quenching flavours - Mango Carrot; Pineapple Ginger; Fruit Punch; Sorrel Ginger that bring the real taste of the Caribbean to UK shores.
The drinks are made from a blend of fruit and vegetables and are packed full of Caribbean flavours that evoke tastes and memories of exotic adventures to the Caribbean islands.
Speaking about this PMP launch, Dorota Dziedzic, Brand Manager at Grace Foods UK, said, "We rolled out PMPs for Grace Tropical Rhythms last year and they proved to be very successful.
"Priced at £1.79, the drinks offer great value, and we know that PMPs help retailers to drive sales.
"And as we head into spring and summer, demand for our thirst-quenching, Caribbean-inspired drinks soar, so we feel a PMP at the start of March is the perfect timing."
Grace Tropical Rhythms PMP range will be available at selected convenience stores across the UK from July, priced at £1.79.
As a member of the global GraceKennedy Group, headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, Grace Foods UK is guided by a strong global company with significant expertise and passion for developing iconic and innovative Caribbean products.
Grace Foods UK's brands and products are national favourites and have been at the forefront of Caribbean food worldwide for more than 100 years.
They include: market-leading brands Nurishment (nutritionally enriched milk drinks), Encona Sauce (hot pepper sauces), Grace, Dunn's River and Caribbean Choice (Caribbean beverages and general grocery ranges).