SoSweet, the confectionery brand known for delighting millions of customers online and in-store, has announced the launch of its first-ever own-brand marshmallow range.
Launched today (13), this new product line is set to capitalise on the rapid growth of SoSweet Direct and the booming UK confectionery and sugar sectors.
Currently delivering category-managed confectionery solutions to over 400 stores in the South West and Wales, SoSweet Direct is now expanding its reach to independent retailers across the UK.
The new SoSweet Marshmallow Range is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Featuring three delicious varieties - Pink & White, Twists, and Strawberries - this range is perfect for independent retailers and convenience stores looking to meet consumer demand for indulgent, versatile treats.
The line is "fully Halal-certified, fat-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and GMO-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, states the maker.
Priced competitively at a RRP of £1.25 per 140g bag, the range offers premium quality at an attractive price point. The standard price is £9 + VAT per case of 12, which nets to 75p + VAT per unit, delivering a 28 per cent margin at the £1.25 price point.
As a special launch offer, retailers can take advantage of a "buy five cases, get one free" deal across the range, bringing the case price down to £7.50 + VAT. This reduces the unit cost to just 63p + VAT, increasing the retailer’s margin to 40 per cent.
Packaged in shelf-ready boxes (SRP 12x140g), ensuring easy stocking and strong shelf appeal. Each bag is also designed with a euro hook, allowing retailers to display the products on hanging bag fixtures for added flexibility and visibility.
The range is now available nationwide through SoSweet Direct and leading wholesalers.
SoSweet launches own label marshmallow range
It is already stocked in over 100 independent stores across the South West, including Premier and Spar fascia stores, as well as in our own retail locations, online, and on TikTok.
Barney Carter, Managing Director of Carters Corners Ltd (Premier fascia stores), has already seen strong performance with the SoSweet Marshmallow Range across his stores.
"I have introduced this range into all eight of my stores because I love the presentation of the packaging and outer cases. The retail price is fair considering the generous size of the packet, and I first brought it in on offer.
"The rate of sale has been fantastic, and I’ve even repeated the same promotion in three of my stores. It’s a great addition that perfectly complements my bagged sweet range."
Driving Sales Through TikTok and In-Store Activations
With a TikTok following exceeding 1 million, SoSweet is uniquely positioned to generate buzz around its new marshmallows.
These marshmallows are perfect for everything, from TikTok-worthy hot chocolate toppers and marshmallow spread recipes to creative desserts and party snacks.
The launch will feature engaging content on the platform, including recipe ideas, taste tests, and interactive challenges designed to capture the imagination of consumers.
The brand is also bringing the excitement offline with in-store activations, including taste-testing events at its retail locations, giving customers a chance to experience the marshmallows firsthand.
As the UK confectionery market continues its upward trajectory, SoSweet Direct’s strategic focus on innovation and retailer partnerships positions it as a key player in the sector.
The new marshmallow range represents just the beginning of a broader push to expand SoSweet’s own-brand offerings, delivering high-margin products that meet evolving consumer preferences.
George Robinson, Managing Director of SoSweet, shared his excitement, “The launch of our SoSweet Marshmallows is a significant milestone for the brand.
"After months of development, I am thrilled to offer a product that combines premium quality, strong margins for retailers, and universal appeal.
"This range reflects our commitment to supporting independent retailers while capturing the imagination of customers across the UK.”
“SoSweet Direct is more than a distribution channel; it’s a solution tailored to drive confectionery sales for independent shops. As we expand our own-brand portfolio, we’re dedicated to setting new standards in the confectionery sector," he added.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced that Fanta, the leading flavoured carbonate brand in GB retail, is adding three fruity flavours to its zero sugar line-up with launch of Fanta Zero Apple and Fanta Zero Raspberry, plus a limited-edition Fanta Tutti Frutti Zero Sugar.
Fanta accounts for nearly one in every five flavoured carbonates sold in GB and is valued at almost three times more than its nearest competitor.
The low calorie flavoured carbonates segment are up 23.1 per cent in value over the last year, aligned to recent research which shows that more than 80 per cent of GB consumers are limiting their sugar intake.
The NPD is designed to help retailers expand their customer base and tap into the 2.5 million shoppers who frequently buy Fanta flavours, while catering to the growing demand for zero sugar options[9].
Fanta Zero Apple and Fanta Zero Raspberry will be rolling into stores from 24 February in 330ml cans and 500ml rPET bottles for shoppers to enjoy on-the-go, and larger 2L rPET bottles and multipacks for sharing occasions at home.
Limited edition Fanta Tutti Frutti Zero Sugar will be available from mid-March in a sleek can format with a colourful and impactful design – transporting shoppers back to their teen years with a vibrant mix of peach, pineapple and banana flavours.
“We’re excited to be expanding our core Fanta zero sugar range with the introduction of tangy Fanta Zero Apple and sweet Fanta Zero Raspberry which will cater to consumers’ growing appetite for apple and raspberry flavours,” said Rob Yeomans, vice-president, commercial development at CCEP. “Our limited-edition Tutti Frutti Zero Sugar is like a carnival in a can, boasting a vibrant design that catches the eye and offering a nostalgic flavour. Limited editions are a great way to engage new shoppers, getting people excited and talking about the Fanta brand, while helping our customers drive sales.”
All three launches will be supported by a multi-million-pound marketing campaign, including influencer partnerships, OOH advertising, social media and experiential events.
Convenience retailers can request POS kits on My.CCEP.com.
Global snacking company pladis has added two limited edition variants to its popular £89 million Jacob’s Mini Cheddars snacking range.
Dialling up the brand’s ‘baked with real cheese’ credentials, the two new ‘Cheesy Specials’ variants – Jacob’s Cheese & Red Onion Mini Cheddars and Jacob’s Cream Cheese, Garlic & Herb Mini Cheddars – will be hitting shelves from the beginning of February.
Jacob’s Cheese & Red Onion Mini Cheddars blends cheese with the tangy zing of red onion, while Jacob’s Cream Cheese, Garlic & Herb Mini Cheddars is a sophisticated blend of smooth cream cheese, garlic and fresh herbs. They join the core line-up of Original, Red Leicester and Smoky BBQ flavours.
“These new additions are designed for younger shoppers seeking bold, trending flavours, which in turn drive incremental sales,” said Kate Stokes, marketing manager for Mini Cheddars.
“It follows a strong track record of successful flavour additions to the Jacob’s Mini Cheddars line-up. We know Mini Cheddars fans love a new flavour as much as we do, and we’re always listening. Like the core range, these additions are baked with real cheese and full of flavour.
“These latest launches are available in two distinct formats to drive penetration within a whole host of occasions. The classic multipack of six, as well as a single-serve convenience channel PMP to help independent retailers boost volumes, mean shoppers can enjoy exciting new cheesy varieties on-the-go, in their lunchbox, or while snacking at home.”
Both flavours are available in Sainsbury’s from 3 February in multipacks of 6 x 23g bags (RRP £1.89) before launching in a 90g PMP (£1.25) for independent retailers. The range will be rolling out more widely nationwide across multiple grocery, convenience, and wholesale from March.
Meanwhile the Jacob’s Mini Cheddars core range is being supported with a multipack and 45g grab bag on-pack offer, Find A Wedge to Win A Wedge. Running from mid-February into March, shoppers who find a triangular Mini Cheddar in their pack can win one of 10 prizes of £10k each.
Alongside this consumer on-pack, a B2B Win A Wedge campaign is currently live in wholesale until March, where retailers can win a share of up to £350,000 when they buy and scan the multipacks – which also feature the consumer Find A Wedge to Win A Wedge competition.
Nestlé Purina Petcare has shed light on the diverse personalities of beloved cats across the UK in time for the announcement of its new Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée.
Their first ever Paws Up Poll saw more than five thousand cat owners tell Purina all about their cats, uncovering intriguing trends among different breeds and providing valuable insights into our feline friends.
Ragdolls emerged as the breed most likely to engage in ambush play, with an impressive 84 per cent of owners reporting this behaviour. Ragdolls are also the most prone to chasing shadows and lights, with 73 per cent of owners observing this playful trait.
Maine Coons, on the other hand, were found to be the breed most often found sleeping in unusual places, with a staggering 85 per cent of owners reporting this behaviour. They were also noted for their tendency to twitch their ears, with 82 per cent of owners observing this unique trait.
In the realm of paw kneading, Norwegian Forests took the crown and have mastered the art of biscuit-making, as an astounding 95 per cent of owners reported their cats engaging in this endearing behaviour.
Siamese cats, known for their distinctive appearance, were revealed to be the chattiest among the surveyed breeds, with an impressive 91 per cent of owners reporting their cats purring loudly. Siamese cats also displayed a love for heights, with 82 per cent per cent of owners noting their fondness for high perches. Additionally, 93 per cent of Siamese cats were found to communicate with their tails, adding to their unique charm.
The findings are revealed to celebrate a new addition to Purina’s Gourmet Revelations range, the Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée. This innovative cat food features a combination of delicate transparent jelly and finely diced tender cuts, a first-of-its-kind offering from Purina.
Available in 57-gram pots and two varieties, Chicken and Salmon, the Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée is packaged in multipack sizes of two, four, and 48 pots. The range, known for its elegant pyramid packaging design, aims to provide an exquisite serving experience with high-quality ingredients.
Developed after years of research and behavioural studies, the Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée was designed to encourage natural wide bite/lick-bite/lick/chew behaviours. The new jelly-based cat food with finely diced tender cuts also allows feline connoisseurs to indulge in a new texture experience.
The user-friendly packaging pots ensure easy release and minimise spillages, catering to owners who seek to bond with their feline companions during mealtimes.
Sareena Kainth-Patel, Senior Brand Manager for Gourmet, said: “With the announcement of Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée, we’re happy to be revealing and celebrating the unique personalities of cats across the nation, as well as unveiling a new texture experience, ensuring our pets get to enjoy mealtime just as much as their owners do.
“Owners actively seek ways to show love and affection towards their cats - seeing them admire and savor their food is a crucial part of that. We’ve undertaken extensive research to develop a product which is perfectly shaped to create the ultimate feline foodie ritual. In addition, our patented packaging design is truly unique in the category and helps to elevate the serving experience for pet owners who want to pamper their feline companions.”
As outlined in its recent Capital Markets Day, the pyramid-shaped food is one of six 'big bets' that Nestlé is targeting for growth in 2025. They all offer an elevated consumer experience and leverage the company's leadership in R&D, category innovation and production expertise.
Pet care is one of Nestlé's fastest-growing businesses in Europe and worldwide. Wet cat food makes up around 30 per cent of Purina sales globally and is particularly important in Europe where in many markets, cats outnumber dogs as the most popular pet.
Premiumization of pet food and elevated experiences for pets and their owners continue to drive growth in the category. Pet populations in key markets worldwide are projected to continue to grow over the next five years, especially cats and small dogs, although at a slower pace than the last five.
Dan Smith, head of the PetCare global strategic business unit, said: “More than 70 per cent of pet owners describe their pets as family members and are increasingly seeking ways to show love and affection towards their furry friends, and food is an important part of this. Our patented packaging design is truly unique in the category and helps to offer a premium serve, elevating the serving experience for pet owners who want to pamper their feline companions.”
Gourmet Revelations Fine Cuts in Gelée is being rolled out across stores nationwide from April.
Single origin dark chocolate brand, Cox & Co, is upping the ante this Easter with the launch of two new Easter products.
Following the success of the launch of its Blood Orange Crunch bar in the autumn, Cox & Co has now created two new Easter products inspired by its newest flavour; a Blood Orange Crunch Egg Bar and a Blood Orange Crunch Easter Egg.
Cox & Co’s Blood orange crunch chocolate is made using 60 per cent single origin Colombian cacao, blended with blood orange extract and raw cacao nibs, resulting in a zesty citrus flavour, balanced with subtle vanilla notes and a moreish crunch.
“Our Blood Orange Crunch bar has quickly become a best-seller in a very short space of time, so extending this flavour into our 2025 Easter range made perfect sense,” explains Gavin Cox, founder of Cox & Co. “These two new Easter products are the perfect choice for dark chocolate lovers and those looking for a plant-based and ethical choice.”
Ideal for eco-conscious chocolate lovers, with Cox & Co you don’t need to choose between being ethical and enjoying an indulgent treat. With 100 per cent paper outer packaging and the egg sealed in a fully compostable bag made of wood pulp, the Cox & Co range is fully sustainable, plant-based and fully recyclable. The brand also works with Colombia’s Luker Chocolate estate, investing in farmers, communities and sustainable farming methods to produce chocolate that’s as ethical as possible.
Cox & Co offers a full range of Easter products including a selection of Easter Eggs in four flavours: Bee Pollen & Honey, Miso & Caramel, Mint Crunch and Blood Orange Crunch, as well as five Easter Egg Bars in five flavours: Bee Pollen & Honey, Miso & Caramel, Mint Crunch, Blood Orange Crunch and Raw Cacao Nibs.
Cox & Co’s NEW Blood Orange Crunch Easter Eggs (£155g RRP £12.50) and Easter Bar (140g RRP £8.99) are available to the channel through wholesalers including Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Food and Suma
To celebrate the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, only in cinemas from 13February, PopWorks is kicking off its first ever* on-pack promotion. It is running from 27 January to 23March across its Sweet & Salty and Sweet BBQ flavour 85g sharing bags. To celebrate the cinema release, the promotion offers shoppers an amazing opportunity to win a luxury getaway; official movie merchandise and gift vouchers, making this an unmissable promotion for Bridget Jones fans.
The partnership taps into a massive fanbase, with 13 per cent (8.9 million) of the UK population identifying as Bridget Jones super fans. As one of the most beloved film franchises, this is the perfect opportunity to enhance PopWorks' brand relevance with shoppers and establish its place as the perfect accompaniment to a big night in.
From exclusive Bridget Jones-themed merchandise to gift vouchers, the promotion is set to drive purchase, encourage repeat buys and elevate the in-store experience. Notably, PopWorks' Sweet & Salty 85g bags already boast a strong repeat rate of 38 per cent, highlighting consumer loyalty and the potential to drive further engagement. Shoppers can enter the promotion by simply purchasing participating PopWorks share bags, scanning a QR code on the pack and registering to enter on the website.
“This partnership with Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is a match made in heaven, bringing together an iconic film franchise and the perfect snack for a cinema trip,” said Cynthia Finke, PopWorks Marketing Director at PepsiCo. “The on-pack promotion provides an opportunity for retailers to boost brand visibility and drive consumer engagement with a brand that’s making waves in the snacks category. With over 500 winning moments, the promotion encourages impulse and repeat purchases and enhances the shopping experience.”
In addition to the on-pack promotion, PopWorks is further supporting the campaign with PR, digital, and point-of-sale (POS) marketing to ensure the excitement around this partnership reaches a wide audience. PopWorks is hosting an exclusive pre-release screening of the film, driving reach and awareness through influencers on social channels, plus hardworking digital/social assets. The on-pack promotion will be available across grocery, wholesale and discounters in Sweet & Salty and Sweet BBQ sharing bags.
*UK and ROI
Pack size: The products mentioned are Sweet & Salty Sweet BBQ 85g Share bags
T&Cs
‡UK & ROI, 18+. Starts 09:00 27/01/25. Ends 20:59 23/03/25. Enter between 09:00 and 20:59 each day. Buy a promo pack, scan the QR code or visit the website, and log in or register for an account by entering your details and pack code starting with ‘BJ’ for a chance to win. Keep pack. 672 Instant Win Prizes to be won (1 per hour), including vouchers and merchandise. All participants automatically entered into Grand Prize Draw to win 1 x trip for 2 to the Cotswolds. Max 1 entry per person per day. Max 1 Instant Win Prize per person. See here for full T&Cs and Prize details.