KP Snacks has announced the launch of KP Aromatic Thai Chilli Coated Peanuts, offering a combination of explosive flavour with a satisfying crunch.
Designed to capitalise on the growing trend of flavoured and coated nuts, the new product delivers two textures as consumers bite through a crispy outer shell to the peanut inside.
Created to optimise KP Nuts’ singles range and attract younger consumers who are looking for coated nuts as a snacking option during the day, KP Aromatic Thai Chilli Coated Peanuts meets shopper needs and aims to drive sales within the impulse and convenience channel.
KP Aromatic Thai Chilli Coated Peanuts is available in £1PMP format, making it an affordable and substantial snack suited for on-the-go occasions, is available in stores from March 1st, and will be part of a month-long "2 for £1.50" promotion running across the whole £1PMP Nuts portfolio.
“KP Nuts is a trusted and established brand and this new product celebrates the great taste credentials that the brand is already known for, while meeting the texture needs that exist within the impulse channel today," said Jennifer Blanco Barcia, Marketing Manager at KP Snacks. "We are excited to be expanding our coated nuts offer and in turn, increase opportunities for KP Nuts consumption.”
KP Nuts is the UK’s leading nuts brand. It is worth £77.9m RSV and is growing in value +19.7 per cent (Nielsen Scantrack 26.12.20).
Cadbury is launching a Creme Egg competition in the run-up to Easter 2025, asking retailers across the country ‘How Do You Display Yours?’
The “How Do You Display Yours?” competition invites retailers to dip into their imaginations and share their most innovative and eye-catching Cadbury Creme Egg displays. Any retailer who shares an idea via a specially-created form on SnackDisplay.co.uk – Mondelēz International’s trade-focused advice and information site – will be entered into a competition to win £1,000* worth of vouchers for first place, with four runner-up prizes ranging from £250 to £500 vouchers and 25 x £25 vouchers up for grabs for the remaining winners.
The competition is a fantastic opportunity for retailers to get creative and entice consumers into stores and mirrors the consumer-facing “Admit It, How Do You Eat Yours?” campaign.
“We’re really excited to be taking the annual ‘How Do You Eat Yours?’ campaign to a platform that retailers can engage with directly. Given the enthusiasm towards ‘How Do You Eat Yours?’ we wanted to create an opportunity for retailers to capitalise on consumer engagement, with the addition of 30 prizes to give further support and thanks to the retailers who have supported Cadbury throughout its 200-year history,” said Carianne Robertson, Brand Executive for Cadbury Creme Egg.
Cadbury Creme Egg has been an icon of the season for over half a century, with 3.7 packs sold every second. In 2024 the brand expanded its Creme Egg portfolio, launching the Cadbury Creme Egg Tablet, which sold a bumper 4.6 million units nationwide, making it the #1 NPD for the entire Easter 2024 season.
Cadbury Mini Eggs sold 11 million more units than in 2023, meaning shoppers are still looking to enjoy the iconic chocolate Easter treat. The mini-beasts of the Easter market remain the number one Easter SKU with the highest penetration of any Easter brand in the UK.
The Cadbury Mini Egg 110g and 360g sharing bars also had another successful Easter and were the #1 and #3 SKU respectively in the sharing novelties category in 2024.
Mondelēz International grew ahead of the Easter category in 2024 by almost four per cent and remains the number one supplier at Easter time. To make the most of the season, retailers should split Easter into three phases: getting off to a fast start (from 1January to Valentine’s Day), building momentum (from Valentine’s Day on 14February, to Mother’s Day on 10March), and then gearing up for a “gifting finish” for the last three weeks the period reaches its finale.
The “fast start” phase focuses on shoppers looking for small treats for themselves, such as Cadbury Creme Egg and Cadbury Mini Eggs. Here are our top tips for a fast start to the season:
Be ready on day one of the season with sufficient stock of seasonal self-eat and sharing favourites from well-loved brands, such as Cadbury Creme Egg and Cadbury Mini Eggs.
Create awareness of the season with your customers using campaigns, competitions and promotions as a talking point.
Use POS from shoppers’ favourite Easter brands to highlight products and optimise incremental sales.
For more expert confectionery and seasonal advice, retailers can visit www.snackdisplay.co.uk, and should stay tuned for the full Easter 2024 seasonal line-up.
*Terms and conditions apply:
UK, 18+, owners/verified retail managers of independent convenience stores (‘Independent Retailers’) only. 00.01 GMT 02/12/2024 to 23.59 GMT 28/02/2025 (‘Promotion Period’). During the Promotion Period, set up your Cadbury Creme Egg display including Cadbury Creme Egg 2025 Points of Sale (‘POS’) in your Independent Retailer store. Then, visit snackdisplay.co.uk/competitions/easter-cce-display-competition and submit your details alongside uploading a photo of your POS display to be entered into the Competition. Entries judged on impact, creativity and ingenuity, and use of available space. Max 1 x entry and 1 x Prize per Independent Retailer store. Prizes: 1st place: £1,000, 2nd place: £500, 3rd – 5th place: 1 of 3 x £250, 6th – 30th place: 1 of 25 x £25 Amazon vouchers. Purchase, internet access and email address required. Prizes will be fulfilled within 28 days of acceptance. Promoter reserves the right to indefinitely use and publicise entries. See https://snackdisplay.co.uk/retailer-ts-cs/ for full T&Cs. Promoter: Mondelez Europe Services GmbH – UK Branch, Sanderson Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1DH.
Pepsi MAX has debuted its Christmas advert and UK-wide festive campaign, including a prime time slot during the first episode of the new series of I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here! Edits will also run across TV, BVOD, Audio, Digital and Social.
The TVC ad kicks off the brand’s Christmas campaign that highlights how one of the most magical parts about the holiday season is that it's acceptable to park the to-do list, and put that extra time and energy into the stuff we really enjoy.
The ad is sound-tracked to a remix of the festive classic, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, by up and coming UK artist, Poppy Adjudha, and showcases how life’s ‘have-to-do’s’ like work, the heading to the gym and studying can wait until January, putting a spotlight on how Pepsi MAX is an ally for Christmas fun and enjoyment as friends and family come together.
The out of home campaign features different scenes from the TVC showcasing a deserted office, gym and library, alongside taglines "Spreadsheets can wait, it’s Xmas after all", "Leg day can wait, it’s Xmas after all" and "10,000 words can wait, it’s Xmas after all". This will be supported by OOH creative that focuses on a Pepsi MAX can, alongside slogans that highlight the joy of embracing the Christmas season and ladder up to the "It Can Wait" campaign, such as "all day PJs for the win, it’s Xmas after all". The campaign will also run across Digital on Meta, Snapchat, YouTube shorts, in addition to Digital OOH.
Steven Hind, Senior Marketing Director, Beverages UK & Western Europe commented: “The festive season is all about making memories and having fun with those we love, and taking the time to enjoy the festive season. As December hits, we know that a lot of things – whether that be work, studying or working out, can very much feel like a January problem as we all look to prioritise those precious moments together instead. Our Christmas ad really brings to life this ‘tools down’ mentality to prioritise enjoyment during the festive period, while also embodying our brand ethos of being ‘thirsty for more’.”
Dolin, a historic family-owned spirits company established in 1821 in the Alpine region of Savoie, France, is set to expand its UK presence through a new distribution partnership with Mangrove Global.
With a legacy spanning over two centuries, Dolin has distinguished itself through authentically sourced local ingredients and traditional production methods that create premium spirits to be enjoyed worldwide. The company's first international Vermouth award in 1876 marked the beginning of its enduring reputation in Parisian cafes and European cocktail culture.
“Aperitifs like Vermouth have enjoyed a renaissance in the last few decades, and Dolin represents the quintessential French classic,” said Nick Gillett Managing Director of Mangrove Global. “The Mangrove team have long admired the range, and we’re excited to showcase these exceptional, provenance-driven spirits.
“We’re all about exceptional brands that celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship behind their liquids, and Dolin fits the bill perfectly. We’re ready to get started, building upon all the wonderful work that’s been done so far.”
The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, as contemporary drinkers increasingly seek spirits with strong heritage, authenticity, and provenance. Dolin Vermouths embody these qualities in abundance, with their lighter, more delicate flavours making them a perfect choice for a wide range of cocktails, such as the classic martini, or even enjoyed neat.
Each Vermouth is crafted through the maceration of at least 30 Alpine botanicals in white wine, offering a complex flavour profile that has consistently ranked Dolin among the top five global Vermouth brands since 2020.
Joining the Mangrove portfolio will be Dolin Vermouth Dry, Dolin Vermouth Rouge, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, and Dolin Chamberyzette, the latter of which is a delicate cocktail made from Dolin’s white Vermouth Blanc and its much-loved Liqueur Framboise – strawberry liqueur. Each variety of Dolin’s Vermouth uses a unique selection of herbs and plants, blended with quality wine to achieve the resulting flavour – a flavour which, as noted by Drinks International, has kept Dolin amongst the top five best-selling Vermouth brands, since 2020.
Pierre-Olivier Rousseaux President Owner of Dolin said: “We are delighted with this new partnership. Mangrove will bring its distribution expertise and its solid presence in the spirits sector to promote the authenticity of Dolin products in the UK, while respecting the heritage and artisanal know-how for which our brand is renowned since 1821.”
For the eighth consecutive year, world renowned chocolate producer, Lindt & Sprüngli is proudly supporting the NSPCC to raise vital funds for Childline. From 1 December, every Lindt TEDDY Milk (100g) purchased from Lindt chocolate shops, major grocery channels, retailers and from Lindt's website, Lindt will donate £1.00. With a target of £100,000, Lindt’s donation will help ensure Childline can continue its critical work this Christmas.
Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, enjoy the magic of Christmas with Lindt TEDDY whilst supporting this worthy cause. Crafted by the Master Chocolatiers using their finest Milk chocolate, each Lindt TEDDY is delicately dressed in gold foil, hand-tied with a red ribbon and a heart charm. Cherished worldwide, it’s a beloved festive treat for all the family.
Passionate about supporting the NSPCC, Lindt has raised over £700,000 to date with this heart-warming partnership, which has supported children and young people for over 35 years.
Childline gives every child access to free, confidential support whenever they need it. Childline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online at childline.org.uk and by phone on 0800 1111.
Dairy, in particular cheese, is an everyday essential which offers consumers taste, nutrition, versatility, convenience, and good value. Despite this, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, inflation and Brexit have unsurprisingly impacted how frequently consumers are buying cheese, but volume sales of branded cheese are now returning to growth at 1.9 per cent year on year (YOY) ahead of private label at 0.4 per cent. Branded cheese accounts for 40 per cent of total cheese value sales, with it being worth a total of £1.2 billion, growing 6.6 per cent in value sales YOY, while private label accounts for 60 per cent and is worth £1.8 billion, growing four per cent YOY.
Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland explains: “After two years of contracted volume sales the cheese category has an opportunity to regain momentum. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, these are the cheese trends we think retailers should be aware of.”
Premiumisation driving growth: Even though grocery prices are increasing, and consumers have been choosing to buy fewer units of cheese, premiumisation still has the potential to drive market growth. This is likely to come from a combination of new and old consumer habits – exploring new ways of enjoying cheese, like enjoying hot and using it in different recipes, and rediscovering varieties they previously enjoyed. With cheese being a household staple, it’s important that the industry and retailers continue to adapt, expand, and innovate their offering in the coming months, to cater to changing consumer demands as shoppers get back into cheese.
Cheese as a source of protein: There is a growing interest in how what we eat and drink affects our bodies – with more than half of consumers reading product labels more than last year. Therefore, one trend to look out for is consumers seeking out cheese for its nutritional benefits. For example, cheese is packed full of essential dairy nutrients, such as protein, with it providing 15 per cent of our daily requirement. Unlike some plant-based proteins, cheese contains all of the nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that our bodies need. Protein is vital for many different functions in the body including building and maintaining muscle and supporting healthy bones, but also for helping to make other body tissues and organs, the antibodies in our immune system and haemoglobin, an important protein that carries oxygen in our blood (British Nutrition Foundation 2023).
Growth in hot eating cheese: Hot eating is currently one of the highest grossing cheese categories, offering quick and tasty hot meal-time solutions, and another area where retailers can encourage premiumisation. Président Extra Creamy Brie, which launched in March 2024, can be enjoyed both hot and cold, but with special melting properties and extra depth, the cheese is best enjoyed hot. Its launch follows consumer research, which found that brie shoppers are willing to pay extra for brie made in France (49 per cent) and extra creamy brie (48 per cent).
Cheese as a meat alternative: Cheese is a major recipe ingredient in many popular meat-free dishes, while hot eating cheese products provide consumers with a tasty vegetarian meat replacement they can enjoy at any time – while also appealing to consumers trying to reduce their meat intake, as an alternative to meat protein.
Greater personalisation: New consumers coming into the market are likely to seek ways to express their individuality and personalise how they use cheese, based on imagination and personal preferences. As these shoppers recognise the recipe potential for cheese and the varieties that are available, we can expect greater creativity in its use in planned dishes and making use of leftover cheese. In addition to the growing range of recipes available online, TikTok and other social media will increasingly impact people’s cheese tastes and usage. With the demand for affordable indulgence driving the category, we can expect a blurring of the distinction between speciality, every day, and recipe cheese, and cheese lovers ‘mixing it up’ with treats like brie on toast. While it’s unlikely British consumers will forsake cheddar as the nation’s favourite cheese, they will increasingly want to widen their cheese repertoire, and products like Lactalis’s Leerdammer slices, the number #1 cheese slices brand in the UK in value sales, will encourage them to think ‘beyond the block.’
Unique and global flavours: Cheese products combined with naturally herbaceous flavours like chive, onion, garlic, truffle and dill are increasing in popularity, and more specific flavours like provolone, Gouda, and cheddar are satisfying consumer demand. The implications for stores and suppliers too are that they should look across the dairy aisle for inspiration for tomorrow’s new products. They should think too about reducing additives and look for new consumer needs around seasonality or flavours. In September 2024, Lactalis UK & Ireland announced the expansion of its Seriously Spreadable range, with the launch of Seriously Spreadable Black Pepper – bringing a new and irresistible flavour offering to the cheese spreads category. Made with a delicious blend of 50 per cent award winning cheddar and a pinch of black pepper to give an extra kick, it is highly versatile and ideal served on crusty bread, crackers and bagels, or served warm on baked potatoes and stirred into pasta.
The following trends are also impacting the UK market at present and are likely to continue doing so going into 2025:
Regionality: Across grocery categories, including cheese, shoppers are seeking out locally sourced products, and we know that product provenance is a key purchase driver for Scottish shoppers with our brands, Orkney, Galloway and Seriously driving category growth in Scotland.
Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and expect manufacturers to provide sustainable options, especially plastic-free.
“As these trends and predictions indicate, the next twelve months are set to be an exciting opportunity for everyone involved to seize growing momentum, innovate and grow the UK cheese market,” says Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland.
“As a leading player here and around the world, we have built our position by monitoring short- and long-term trends – including those evolving on social platforms, developing enticing NPD and anticipating demand across our portfolio, and we look forward to continuing to deliver surprise and delight to our customers across the category and in the chiller aisles.”