PepsiCo is launching a new on-pack promotion across Frazzles, Chipsticks, and Cheetos in collaboration with Merlin Entertainments. Running from 1March until 30June 2025. The promotion offers shoppers the chance to win one of 5,000 prizes, each consisting of four tickets to a pre-selected Merlin Entertainments UK attraction, including family favourites such as Thorpe Park, nationwide SEA LIFE aquariums and Alton Towers Resort.
At a time when 37 per cent of UK consumers are going out to cafes, restaurants, bars or live less often, this promotion comes at the perfect time to bring families the opportunity to spend quality time together. Frazzles, Chipsticks, and Cheetos are all family favourites and a must-have for retailers looking to harness the magic of unforgettable family experiences, encourage impulse purchases and drive repeat sales.
Additionally, Frazzles and Chipsticks introduced a fresh new look in 2024, and all three brands moved to compact packaging on multipacks, meaning packages are smaller and more stream-lined. This rebranding ensures these beloved snacks truly stand out on shelves and capture even more attention from shoppers.
“Families are at the heart of this promotion,” said Wayne Newton, Senior Marketing Director for Walkers. “With Merlin Entertainments’ attractions offering an unmissable draw for families, and snacks that are perfect for all ages, retailers who stock the participating packs of Frazzles, Chipsticks, and Cheetos will be well-positioned to take advantage of a promotion that’s sure to drive both sales and footfall. The inclusion of PMPs in the promotion offers great value for consumers, making it an even more attractive option for those looking for affordable days out.”
Nick Brigden, Director of Brand Partnerships, UK & Europe, said: “At Merlin Entertainments, we know that family moments are priceless, and this exciting promotion is all about making them even more accessible. By partnering with PepsiCo, we are proud to provide more families reasons to enjoy unforgettable days out at our world-class UK attractions. This partnership makes it easier than ever for shoppers to grab their favourite snacks and unlock magical experiences, all in one go!"
The on-pack promotion, launching on 1March, will be available across grocery, impulse, and wholesale channels and supported by shopper marketing activity. To enter, shoppers simply need to purchase a promotional pack of Frazzles, Chipsticks or Cheetos and scan the QR code or visit www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/promotions/walkers/merlin to register and enter. For full T&Cs, please visit: www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/promotions/walkers/merlin.*
†UK & ROI 18+. Online Instant Win: 06:00 01/03/25 – 23:59 30/06/25. Enter between 06:00 and 23:59 each day. Purchase necessary. Retain receipt. Scan QR code or visit www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/promotions/walkers/merlin to register and enter. Internet access required. At least 40 Prizes available to be won per day, allocated via random winning moments (5,000 total). Each Prize consists of 4 x tickets (randomly pre-allocated) to one of: Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Warwick Castle, The London Eye, The London Dungeons, Madame Tussauds London, SEA LIFE London and SEA LIFE Centre Aquariums, Shrek’s Adventure! London, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Eye, Blackpool Tower Dungeons, Edinburgh Dungeons or York Dungeons valid against visits from 2/3/2025 until 31/12/25. Entrants cannot express a preference. Wrap Up Draw: 00:00 01/07/25 – 23:59 31/10/25. All entries received during the Wrap Up Draw Period will be entered into a single Prize Draw. Wrap Up Draw: 1 Prize available to be won. Prize consists of 4 x tickets (winner’s choice) to one of Merlin Attractions, listed above. Valid against visits until 31/12/26. Merlin Entertainments may limit Prize ticket allocations, subject to a minimum number allocated to every day the relevant Attraction opens. Book early to secure popular dates. Pre-booking online is essential; Prizes cannot be redeemed on the same day as your visit. No attractions are located in ROI or NI. Max 1 entry per person per day. Max 1 Online Instant Win Prize per person. Single Prize pool across all promotional products. See www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/promotions/walkers/merlin for full T&Cs and details. Promoter: Walkers Snacks Ltd and PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company.
The heritage brand is launching a new Florentine recipe which is liked 22 per cent more than its main competitor in the category due to its "elevated level of indulgence". Consumers can expect extra whole almonds for an added crunch, an additional vibrant burst of fruit flavour and more chocolate for a richer, more indulgent treat.
All three Thomas Fudge’s Florentine SKUs will be updated – Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel.
To make Thomas Fudge’s even more recognisable, the iconic top hat logo will be featured more prominently, both in the design and worn by the curious animal characters on the packaging. The hat will now also be embossed in chocolate on the product itself – tipping our hats to Thomas Fudge’s bold and dandy personality. A symbol of the brand’s heritage, the top hat is an enduring emblem of quality and will now take centre stage in attracting shoppers who seek premium and indulgent treats.
Since 2023, the packaging has also been reshaped so that it stacks vertically and reduces the amount of shelf space it takes up for retailers.
On the relaunch, Robin Norton, Head of Category Insight, said: “Thomas Fudge’s is one of the oldest and most premium brands in the FBC portfolio, having been founded in 1916. 2025’s exciting relaunch will see an improved recipe, which has been meticulously developed to eschew some of the chew, leave almonds whole for increased crunch and create the optimal Florentine experience. We have also added extra fruit and chocolate for that luxurious encounter consumers look for in a Thomas Fudge’s treat.”
“We felt that the branding was ripe for revitalisation, which is why we’ve added extra flourishes of colour, with animal characters, all wearing top hats of course. This new Thomas Fudge’s livery adds colour and personality to the premium biscuit shelves. Keeping the updated shape of the packaging is also something we felt was really important to help retailers to save precious shelf space, which is a challenge we hear about a lot, particularly in smaller stores.”
Vodka brand Smirnoff is launching a brand-new product: Smirnoff Miami Peach Spirit Drink. New Smirnoff Miami Peach combines juicy-sweet peach flavours with the smooth taste of Smirnoff Vodka, inspired by the vibrant energy of summer days on Miami Beach. Peach is a delicious and versatile flavour making it perfect for creating a range of simple and impressive serves.
New product launches in the flavoured vodka category contributed £7.6m growth in the off-trade last year, and Smirnoff is looking to drive further incremental sales in the category as consumers look to experiment with new favourites ahead of the summer.
“Smirnoff has driven the growth of spirit flavours in the off-trade with previous launches like Cherry Drop, Mango and Passionfruit, and Raspberry Crush,” said Jessica Lace, Head of Smirnoff GB. “Our brand is an expert in this space, with Raspberry Crush being the biggest flavoured spirit launch of the last three years, generating the highest sales value among new products launched in spirits.
“Peach is the flavour of the moment, and Smirnoff Miami Peach gives shoppers the opportunity to experiment with different mixers to create their own peachy summer serve. The spirit drink pairs perfectly with lemonade for a delicious and simple mixed drink that will bring the Miami vibes to the UK, alternatively shoppers can experiment with a Miami Peach Sunrise or Miami Peach & Iced Tea to level-up cocktail night at-home!”
To support the launch of Miami Peach, a creative 360 marketing campaign is being launched, celebrating the colourful vibrancy of Miami across A/V, social, experiential and out of home. The through the line campaign will connect music, entertainment and culture with the fruity flavours of Smirnoff Miami Peach to create unforgettable moments. Retailers will be able to sign up through Diageo One to get exclusive point of sale displays to bring Miami to their stores and evoke summer year-round for their customers.
New Smirnoff Miami Peach will be available as a 70cl spirit drink (35 per cent ABV) that is launching on 1 March and as well as a convenient ready-to-drink 250ml can mixed with lemonade (five per cent ABV) which is launching on 7 March.
Smirnoff Miami Peach:
Available in a 70cl bottle, 35% abv
£19 MRSP
Smirnoff Miami Peach Ready-to-Drink can:
Available in a 250ml can, 5% abv
£2.39 MRSP
Miami Peach spirit drink
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Riot X Blackcurrant & Passionfruit e-liquid flavour
E-liquid producer Riot Labs has launched what it calls a “supercharged” collection of new flavours for 2025.
The launch comes at a crucial moment for the vape sector, with the impending disposables ban on 1 June set to push vapers towards pods and refillable devices to help them continue their quit smoking journey.
Ben Johnson, chief executive and founder of Riot Labs, said flavour availability in the vape sector is a “massive opportunity” to support vapers who use disposables to transition to other products.
The Riot X flavour range has been developed in Riot Labs’ lab and features 12 maximum intensity flavours, which the producer claims will deliver the purest, punchiest hit of flavour on the market.
“Amid increased government regulation on the sector, we must not forget the hundreds of thousands of adult smokers who use vaping, proven to be the most effective quitting tool, as part of their quitting journey,” Johnson commented.
“In a pivotal year, choice of flavour plays a crucial role in smokers turning to vaping to help them kick the habit and it’s the perfect moment to launch Riot X to help consumers who will inevitably need to move to pods or refillables to maintain their quitting efforts.”
According to Riot Labs, its team of expert flavourists has spent years perfecting the blends of each e-liquid, testing thousands of variations to make something truly unique.
Unlike many e-liquids that simply increase sweetness — masking individual notes — Riot X offers maximum intensity with maximum clarity, allowing every layer of the flavour profile to shine through.
“It’s all about balance. Flavours are made up of different molecules, and some fade faster than others. By carefully fine-tuning these elements, we’ve created a multi-layered flavour experience that evolves with every puff. Each vape delivers a bold, true-to-name taste that feels fresh and exciting from start to finish,” Johnson explained.
“This level of flavour precision takes time, dedication, and an obsession with getting it just right—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and we can’t wait for you to try it for yourself.”
In partnership with Riot Labs’ retailer network, a recent poll of 2,000 customers revealed 82 per cent would go back to cigarettes if vape flavours were limited to tobacco and menthol.
In a separate study, looking at the impact of flavoured vapes on smoking cessation, researchers found fruity or sweet flavoured vapes significantly helped reduce smoking amongst adults - with those using flavoured vapes 55 per cent more likely to give up in three months.
Available online and in retailers nationwide, the 12-strong range will include maximum intensity flavours: Blackcurrant & Passionfruit, Cherry Ice, Strawberry & Melon Chew, Sour Pineapple Razz, Blueberry & Peach Fizz, Orange & Raspberry Ice, Blueberry Sour Strawberry, Morello Cherry & Banana, Grape & Strawberry, Cola Ice, Sweet Mint and Dark Fruits.
Nicotine strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg will be available starting from an RRP of £3.99.
Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks is set to launch new licences within the popular PEZ dispenser range.
The new licences offers retailers the chance to link up with new film launches, and maximise sales through offering popular character-driven confectionery which is sure to grab attention in stores.
Among the launches are the brand new Stitch PEZ dispensers, celebrating the upcoming Lilo & Stitch movie which is set to land in cinemas in May 2025.
Lilo & Stitch is the fastest growing Disney franchise, recently creating a viral superbowl moment with a pitch takeover trailer!
wholesale PEZ dispensers
The range offers three dispensers, two Stitch characters and one Angel dispenser.
Other spring PEZ launches include a refresh of the popular Hello Kitty licence, and a brand new Minecraft launch.
Hello Kitty celebrated her 50th birthday in 2024 and remains a beloved character, known worldwide for her presence in kids' series, comics, video games, theme parks, and various product lines.
Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time and is set to launch a live action movie in April 2025.
The PEZ range is popular among children because the refillable sweet dispensers have toy-like qualities, making them both fun and highly collectible.
”Gaining the license for Stitch allows us to expand our PEZ range, offering customers even more beloved sweet dispensers," said Kathryn Hague, Head of Marketing at Hancocks. "These fun collectibles go beyond just sweets, making them perfect for fans to cherish and display.
“Refreshing our existing lines is equally as exciting, with new designs on the way, both loyal PEZ collectors and newcomers will have fresh options to enjoy.”
Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has launched a brand new Knockout Novelty Deal, offering retailers unmissable savings on a wide range of novelty treats.
The new novelty multi-buy deal offers retailers a chance to save 50p per case when buying ten or more across best-selling novelty brands Crazy Candy Factory, Kidsmania and Sweet Bandit.
With this deal, the more you buy, the more you save, giving retailers the opportunity to increase their purchase quantities whilst making big savings. For example, retailers purchasing 10 cases will save £5, 15 cases will save £7.50, and 20 cases £10.
Novelty is an important category for independent retailers to stock as it appeals to younger customers and helps drive sales through impulse purchases.
Retro novelty products such as popping candy or sherbet lollipops are also great for attracting nostalgia buyers who want to revisit their childhood favourites.
Hancocks is the industry leader in the novelty confectionery category, stocking a vast variety of exciting formats and flavours, from flashing lollipops and fast food-themed candy to sour gels and toy-shaped treats.
wholesale confectionery bulk buy savings
Whilst classic sweets continue to remain popular, kids are always seeking out novelty treats that are more exciting and have a play element to them.
It’s important for retailers to keep refreshing their novelty ranges with NPD lines like the new Crazy Candy Factory Paint Dripz - an all blue variation of the best-selling Paint Splash range.
It’s worth considering re-stocking around every six months to stay up to date with new novelty ranges and ensure that every time a customer looks at the shelf, it feels as though they’ve spotted something new.
Novelty products are great impulse options because they provide great value for young customers who want to use their pocket money to treat themselves. The RRPs for the products included in the novelty deal vary from 30p up to £1.49, so there is something to suit every customer.
The Knockout Novelty Deal is live from 17 February and will be an ongoing offer available on the Hancocks website and in all of the Hancocks stores across the country.
Some of the best-selling products from the Kidsmania range include Sour Flush, Whacky Monkey and Flip Phone lollipops, as well as mini cola-flavoured dextrose candy Pooplets and the Quick Blast sour spray.
Popular novelty products from Crazy Candy Factory include Jelly Bean and Mini Gum Ball Machine, Gummy Noodles and Edible Money.
Sweet Bandit stocks customer favourites such as the Wicked Dipper candy ring lollipop with sherbet dip, Ooze Tube candy syrup and Soda Razzle fizzy candy sweets.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome retailers to make the most of the Knockout Novelty Deal in our stores or online, in order to drive sales and get maximum return on investment," said Kathryn Hague, the Head of Marketing at Hancocks.
“This is a deal you can’t miss, with super savings starting from purchasing just ten cases of novelty confectionery from the popular Crazy Candy Factory, Kidsmania or Sweet Bandit ranges.
“At Hancocks, we take great pride in being the industry leader when it comes to novelty confectionery, and we’re dedicated to continuing expanding those ranges and launching NPD products to keep our novelty category fresh and interesting.
“The Knockout Deal is perfect for retailers who want to keep adding new and exciting products to their novelty displays to make them stand out and attract new customers.”