Global premium chocolate brand and No. 1 boxed brand in the UK, Lindt LINDOR has launched Price-marked Packs (PMPs) in two on-the-go Lindt LINDOR stick flavours; Milk and Salted Caramel at 95p per 38g (38x24 SRP). In response to consumer demand, Lindt LINDOR new PMPs are available to convenience outlets and independents from wholesalers; Nisa, AF Blakemore, Appleby Westward, Parfetts, United Wholesale, United Grocers, Bestway Wholesale, Dhamecha, Hancocks from this month.
“Since their launch in 2016, Lindt LINDOR bars have proved hugely popular in the convenience and on-the-go sector,” said a spokesperson from Lindt & Sprüngli. “The bars are an affordable treat with the strapline ‘Take a moment of bliss wherever you go’. We always endeavour to assess the market and innovate where demand lies and found that PMPs, although well established, are one of the most successful promotional techniques which represent good value for money.
“We believe PMPs will only increase in popularity, especially as the clear pricing provides reassurance the shopper isn’t being over charged. We understand the importance of PMPs in the impulse sector and strive to support retailers by including our top-selling bars as PMPs.
With economic hardship prevalent across the country, it’s increasingly important for consumers to be savvier than ever. Lindt & Sprüngli’s extensive research into the market found that price is a particularly important factor for snacking purchases, with crisps and snacks part of the top five categories bought on PMP (source: Polaris Research 2022; Lumina Intelligence). With 63 per cent of shoppers believing PMPs suggest they are not being overcharged, PMPs help store owners overcome misconception that they are more expensive than grocers. They can also encourage impulse purchases with 58 per cent of shoppers trusting PMPs are on promotion.
PMPs clear pricing encourages repeat visits from customers, they are more likely to trust the store and it allows them to budget accordingly. To this end, price-marked pack purchasing (48.2 per cent) and promotion purchasing (44.5 per cent) has increased as inflation rises. Price-marked pack countlines are growing year-on-year in impulse with an 18.1 per cent increase in countline PMP in impulse.
KP Snacks is expanding its Hula Hoops range, with the introduction of a bold new Smoky Bacon flavour.
The new product will be available in the same reduced plastic outer sleeve that is being rolled out across existing Hula Hoops core six-pack multipacks, removing 24 tonnes of packaging annually.
Inspired by the unbeatable taste of grilled bacon, the launch balances a perfect smoky flavour with the brand’s famous crunchy texture. The new product expands one of the nation's favourite crisp brands, purchased by 28m UK households each year.
Launching in a multipack, the new Smoky Bacon variant capitalises on the strength of this format, with multipacks driving over a third of CSN sales. Hula Hoops BBQ Beef is the best-selling multipack within the “meaty & BBQ” flavour segment and the new addition complements the range with a strong, meaty flavour that appeals to consumers. The new product capitalises on the strength of the “bacon” flavour partition in CSN, worth £74m and growing +10 per cent YOY.
The Hula Hoops Smoky Bacon multipack is well-positioned to add fun and excitement to both at-home and packed lunches, with 62 per cent of buyers opting for Crisps, Snacks and Nuts as part of their meal.
“We’re excited to launch a brand new flavour for the Hula Hoops core range, building on the brand’s momentum after reaching the impressive £200 million RSV milestone last year,” said Sasha Finan, Brand Manager at Hula Hoops. “The release of the new Smoky Bacon variant is a key step in driving incremental shoppers to the brand by tempting consumers with new and irresistible flavours.”
The new product will join Hula Hoops’ core range, featuring well-loved flavours Original, Salt & Vinegar, BBQ Beef and Cheese & Onion. It will be available in 6 x 24g multipack format. The multipack segment is the second largest in the category, valued at £1.8 million.
Walkers has confirmed that its fan favourite Worcester Sauce and Tomato Ketchup flavours are set to return.
Walkers has teamed up with Lea & Perrins and Heinz to help retailers take shoppers’ lunches to the next level, as Walkers invites consumers to “sauce” up their sandwiches by bringing the two iconic brands to shelves.
The additions come as fans continue to take to social media to request that Walkers bring back the Worcester Sauce flavour.
The highly anticipated return of the popular flavour has seen Walkers collaborate with the brand that created the original Worcester Sauce, Lea & Perrins, to deliver a tangy taste.
Packs feature a graphic of the iconic Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce bottle to highlight the partnership and catch the eye of shoppers.
Walkers has also joined forces with the nation’s favourite ketchup brand, Heinz, to deliver the iconic, rich tomato flavour that consumers know and love.
The Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottle also features prominently on-pack, making it unmissable in store. It follows on from the brand’s collaboration with Heinz last year to create three limited-edition sandwich inspired flavours – Walkers Sausage Sarnie with Heinz Tomato Ketchup flavour, Cheese Toastie with Heinz Baked Beanz flavour and Roast Chicken with Heinz Mayonnaise flavour.
Irina Panescu, Senior Marketing Manager at Walkers said: “Earlier this month, super fans from all over the country descended on Charlie’s Convenience Store in Worcester, as it became the first and only stockist of Walkers Worcester Sauce flavour crisps in the world.
"However, we knew from the unprecedented reaction that we needed to bring the iconic flavour back to stores nationwide. We are thrilled to be answering the demands of shoppers with the return of our Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, working with Lea & Perrins to deliver our best taste yet.
“By working alongside another powerhouse in Heinz, these collaborations will attract new shoppers looking to try something different.
"These kinds of tie-ups are a great way to create excitement and drive footfall, giving shoppers the chance to enjoy a collision of some of their favourite flavours. We’re confident that both new launches will be a popular addition to people’s lunches, or as a snack to enjoy on its own, and ultimately help our retail customers drive more snacks sales.”
Sandwiches remain the top pick for lunchtime and latest non-HFSS offerings aim to help retailers tap into the lunchtime opportunity with bold snack choices and a diverse range of flavours.
The collaboration also kick starts Walkers’ #goallcrispin campaign, which is set to reignite the debate around crisp sandwiches among consumers on social media. The 360 campaign will run from 17th March until mid-April across TV, shopper, digital, social and PR activity.
Walkers Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce and Heinz Tomato Ketchup flavours are hitting shelves across the grocery, impulse and wholesale channels from March 17.
The NPD will be available in a range of formats, including a 45g grab bag (RSP: £1.10), 70g PMP (RSP: £1.25) and 6pk multipack (RSP: £2.00).
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Apple and Pear Soft Drink, made with real apples and pears.
Franklin & Sons, renowned for its premium soft drinks, tonics, sodas, and mixers, is expanding its award-winning portfolio with the addition of a new Apple and Pear soft drink.
A light, refreshing product with a strong flavour profile, the new launch blends crisp apple and juicy pear with sparkling water, offering a strong flavour profile that celebrates two British orchard fruits. With orchard fruits rising in popularity within carbonated soft drinks, cocktails, and mocktails, this new product caters to consumer demand for premium, authentic, and naturally crafted soft drinks.
The new product launch was driven by a 23.4 per cent year-on-year growth in apple and pear flavour variants within the category, which is currently valued at £75.8m. Pear, in particular, is seeing great momentum, with a +36.84 per cent increase in popularity, positioning it as a leading flavour according to the IFF. The growing nostalgia for orchard fruits, especially apple (+7.96 per cent) is driving this trend, with seasonality playing a key role in consumer preference, indexing towards warmer months.
With flavour innovation set to be a key driver in the soft drinks category this year, the new launch is designed for both on-trade and off-trade and provides a valuable opportunity for venues to drive trade-ups and enhance their drinks menu. The new flavour aligns with increasing consumer demand for clean-label beverages, using real fruit and free-from artificial additives, reinforcing Franklin & Son’s commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients.
This latest flavour innovation reinforces Franklin & Son’s commitment to its reputation as a pioneer of flavours since 1886, seeing the brand unveil a brand refresh to signal a major step in the next phase of its future growth, with the unveiling of its brand-new website earlier this month, designed to elevate the consumer experience and reflect its refreshed identity.
“With apple and pear’s rising popularity as a seasonal favourite, our new launch not only meets evolving consumer demand but also demonstrates Franklin & Son’s reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality beverages," said Lauren Edwards, Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons. "We’re excited to see it become a key addition to on-trade menus and retail offerings alike.
“The launch also marks a key milestone for Franklin & Sons, as we unveil our brand refresh and new website. It’s an exciting time for the business as we position ourselves for our next phase of growth, backed by our expert team and fresh new look that is underpinned by our pioneering spirit that has driven the business for over a century.”
Franklin & Son’s Apple & Pear soft drink is now available to on-trade and consumers via its brand-new website.
Maggi, Nestlé’s international culinary brand, has introduced Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coating.
These innovative coatings are available in three flavours: Crispy Southern Style, Crispy Katsu Style and Crispy Korean BBQ Style. Each blend has been meticulously made to deliver that delicious crunch, making it easier than ever to achieve quality crispiness at home.
“We are so excited to be introducing the new Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coating Mixes to cooking enthusiasts in the UK,” Danielle McAreavey, head of marketing for Maggi UK and Ireland, said.
“Building on the huge success of Maggi Air Fryer Seasonings which launched last year, these coatings are perfect for those wanting to inject some excitement into their everyday recipes whilst still creating healthy meals, quickly and easily.
“With so many homes in the UK making use of air fryers, we wanted to ensure consumers are inspired with tasty and varied recipes to help with anything from entertaining guests to those busy family weeknights.
“Maggi is dedicated to meeting the evolving preferences of consumers and these crispy coating mixes ensure every bite is a crispy, tasty, delight and can be used for a variety of different recipes and meal ideas.”
Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coating Mixes will be available from mid-March.
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CÎROC Strawberry Limonade, served with ice and fresh strawberries.
CÎROC Super-Premium Vodka has unveiled a brand-new limited edition spirit drink: CÎROC Strawberry Limonade. The launch marks the brand’s first coloured liquid, giving consumers a taste of the sun-kissed coastline of the French Riviera.
Launching just in time for summer, CÎROC Strawberry Limonade is the perfect luxury drink for after work drinks, picnics, or just relaxing at home with friends. Strawberry and lemon flavoured variants have high purchase intent among spirit drinkers, with this latest launch giving retailers the opportunity to drive more volume in the category.
“We’re constantly looking to redefine the luxury drinking experience and elevate the premium spirits category through flavour,” said Pippa Lewis, Senior Brand Manager at CÎROC Vodka.
“I’m delighted to launch CÎROC’s first coloured liquid, a shade of pink that mirrors the hues of a Riviera sunset – reminiscent of sun, beaches and lively soirées that define the Riviera experience. A delicious tasting spirit made with vodka distilled five times from fine French grapes infused with strawberry, lemon and other natural flavours, CÎROC Strawberry Limonade can complement any occasion.”
This launch will be supported with Social and Digital OOH media from April to September. To further amplify the launch, there will be terrace takeovers and cultural partnerships, to encapsulate the spirits of the French Riviera and celebrate the beauty of the South of France.
CÎROC Strawberry Limonade is available to order now, with official launch as of April 1 across grocery, wholesale and digital channels in a 70cl bottle at 30 per cent ABV. (£35.50 MRSP)