pladis, the leading global snacking company behind iconic brands McVitie’s, Jacob’s and Carr’s, has unveiled a new look line-up of McVitie’s favourites for Christmas 2023 that will offer festive cheer for retailers looking to capitalise on bumper seasonal biscuit sales.
Starring fresh innovation alongside a rejuvenated collection of the brand’s bestsellers, the 2023 festive selection from McVitie’s is set to help retailers tap into the growing Sweet Seasonal Biscuits opportunity which, in 2022, topped sales of £150 million (+1.8 per cent) .
Building on the seasonal demand for premium assortments – which last year grew by +4.6 per cent – pladis is refreshing its bestselling deluxe assortment brand with new McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations, which have been dubbed its “most luxurious biscuit collection yet.” Meanwhile, leveraging the enduring seasonal appeal of McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes, pladis is also adding a fun-filled Jaffa Tree to the line-up for Christmas, offering great in-store theatre and the ultimate impulse gifting purchase.
“Sales of Sweet Seasonal Biscuits reached new heights last year, so we know that consumers are hungry for festive treats,” says James King – Marketing Director McVitie’s at pladis UK&I. “But they’re also after something new, particularly at Christmas, so it’s a great opportunity to shake things up a little, catch shoppers’ eyes in store, and get on their shopping lists.
“That’s why we’re giving some of our most-loved seasonal favourites a makeover for Christmas 2023 – to create fresh appeal for all our favourites, whilst also making sure we’re catering to shoppers seeking unique novelty products for the festive season.
“And, with biscuit gifting proving more popular than ever and growing 25 per cent year on year, we’re confident we’ve hit the right formula to inspire shoppers and drive further value into the seasonal biscuit opportunity.”
The McVitie’s 2023 Christmas range will be backed by a "Ready, Steady, Christmas" seasonal campaign aimed at celebrating the nation’s love for McVitie's’ family favourites. Featuring sampling and online activation, the campaign will be brought to life by in-store theatre and eye-catching point of sale materials.
Products in the McVitie’s Christmas range will be widely available across all channels from the end of August.
NEW for 2023
McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations
Introducing McVitie’s’ most luxurious seasonal assortment yet. McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations has been refreshed for 2023 – now with an upgraded, premium packaging design with a unique present-like opening. Featuring decadent product cues and a personalised gift tag, it’s the perfect gift for festive shoppers seeking something extra-indulgent.
McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations includes eight luxurious biscuit varieties enveloped in layers of luxuriously thick milk, dark, and white chocolate – paired with the perfect crunch. Available in a 340g box (RSP: £6.75), this deluxe assortment is a seasonal gift that is sure to impress.
McVitie’s Jaffa Tree
Jaffanatics are in for a treat with the all-new Jaffa Tree (RSP: £3), exclusively available for the 2023 season. Adorned with the iconic Jaffa branding, this delightful Christmas tree-shaped carton holds a treasure trove of treats comprising a unique selection from the £64.8M McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes brand .
Both loyal Jaffanatics and seasonal shoppers in search of exciting and affordable gifting options can tuck into 3x Jaffa Cakes Snack Packs, plus 3x of the brand’s revolutionary Jaffa Jonuts.
McVitie’s Penguin Cracker
A brand-new launch under the much-loved McVitie’s Penguin brand, McVitie’s Penguin Cracker is poised to become a stocking-filler-favourite this Christmas.
Featuring three unique designs, McVitie’s Penguin Crackers embody the playful nature the Penguin brand has long been loved for – with an added twist. Packs comprise all the essential elements needed for the perfect family Christmas party, including a McVitie’s Original Penguin Bar, McVitie’s Mini Penguins Pack and a festive Christmas party hat.
Available in mixed cases of 12, McVitie’s Penguin Crackers tap into the growing demand for novel festive treats. And, with an affordable price point (RSP: £1.25), these charming crackers are perfect as stocking fillers or to add a touch of extra entertainment to the children’s Christmas table.
Returning festive favourites
McVitie’s Victoria
You can’t ring in the season without Christmas’ number one premium biscuit assortment , McVitie’s Victoria.
This Christmas, McVitie’s Victoria is looking to continue its reign as shoppers’ go-to biscuit assortment by combining its irresistible flavours with sustainable packaging.
The classic assortment features all-time favourites like the Milk Chocolate Wheel, as well as the indulgent Chocolate Orange Dreams and White Chocolate Crumbles, ensuring a delectable variety of treats fit for the whole family.
Available in fully recyclable 275g (RSP: £5) and 550g (RSP: £7) boxes, McVitie's Victoria proudly displays an 'even more chocolatey' flash on-pack. With 8 biscuit varieties to choose from, this assortment continues to draw in seasonal shoppers, inspiring them to trade-up for a treat that’s worth the extra investment.
McVitie’s Family Circle
As the number one choice for everyday branded biscuit assortments in the UK , McVitie's Family Circle offers a selection of classic biscuits that are sure to satisfy all tastebuds. From the timeless Shortcake, to tasty choc chip cookie – it has all the family favourites wrapped up in one festive box.
This year, Family Circle is back and bigger than ever with a brand-new fully-recyclable 400g box (RSP: £2.50), making sure there’s always enough to share. Plus, the special seasonal packaging ensures strong stand out on shelf.
McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Christmas Pole
Get set for the return of the iconic McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Christmas Pole. Back by popular demand, the McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Christmas Pole secured the number four spot in the top 10 best-performing novelty products last year . Complete with a fresh redesign – and now featuring a fun ‘Santa Stop Here’ crafting activity for the whole family – McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Christmas Pole is the perfect seasonal treat.
Each pack contains 40 Original Jaffa Cakes (RSP: £3.75).
McVitie’s Santa Snacks Chocolate Cake Bars
McVitie’s Santa Snacks Chocolate Cake Bars
Last, but not least, McVitie's Santa Snacks Chocolate Cake Bars will be making a triumphant return for the fourth year running.
Individually wrapped for both ease and portion control, each bar comes in at just 99 kcals and features a soft, fluffy sponge layered with indulgent chocolate cream and enveloped in McVitie's signature smooth milk chocolate.
Available in packs of seven at an affordable everyday price point (RSP: £1.50), these are the ultimate grab-and-go treat for the festive season.
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.”
As disposable vapes are set to be banned from June 1, will nicotine pouches become the newest alternative nicotine product for consumers? Here, Markus Lindblad, a nicotine pouch expert from Northerner, explains:
“Over the last number of years, there has been strong growth in the nicotine pouch sector in the UK. A recent study by King’s College London found that pouch use in the UK doubled between 2020 and 2024. It looks like the new legislation on disposable vapes could accelerate this growth. After the ban, some disposable vape users may return to smoking, and some may quit nicotine products, but many will seek alternatives and pouches could be a good option.
“Pouches are well positioned to replace disposable vapes for several reasons. Firstly, they are low cost and convenient, similar to disposable vapes. In addition, pouches are very discreet and can be enjoyed indoors or in areas where smoking or vaping is already prohibited such as on public transport or in public buildings.
“In fact, for UK pouch users, the main benefit of pouches is their discretion which is highly valued by 66 per cent of users. 64 per cent say pouches feel more healthy than other nicotine products and 40 per cent say the main benefit is lower cost.
“Pouches can be a great way to help kick a dangerous habit. The most common reason for people to start using nicotine pouches is the user’s ambition to quit smoking. Nearly six out of ten users of nicotine pouches (56 per cent) in the UK say they started to help them to quit smoking.
“In addition to the Disposables Ban, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also mean significant changes for the industry overall. There will be an extension of vape free zones around public buildings such as schools and hospitals. Pouches are smoke-free products and so can still be used in vape free zones. We think many people will begin to switch to pouches as more and more vape free zones are enforced.
“Nicotine pouch customers value choice. As a retailer, you should keep an eye on trends and the latest products on the market. Retailers must also be responsible. For example, consider the packaging - does it look like it was designed with a youth audience in mind? If so, you should steer clear and stock alternatives. Similarly, with so called ‘ultra- strength pouches’ which have very high nicotine content, we recommend not stocking these and stick with pouches that meet the industry standards of a maximum of 20mg nicotine per pouch. Customers want high quality and safe products. If you can, have your products tested independently, if not, do in-depth research before stocking the shelves.”
“For retailers, the key focus should be education. Consumers that are new to pouches will need to get accurate information about the products, how to use them, and how to pick a pouch that suits their lifestyle. As retailers, we have a responsibility to educate our customers to help them to understand pouches. This process should start now.
Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has launched a brand new Knockout Novelty Deal, offering retailers 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 aspopping 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.
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.
Best-selling bulk candy deals for retailers
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.”