Ice cream tub brand Ben & Jerry’s is expanding its Sundaes range with two indulgent new SKUs inspired by an iconic American dessert, the s’more. Both Marshmallow & S’more and a non-dairy NPD, Oat of this Swirled, hero the s’more’s star ingredient, toasted marshmallow – a top ingredient according to recent CMI consumer research. Both brand-new s’mores-inspired ice cream flavours and are fully loaded with cookie chunks, toasted marshmallow-y swirls, topped with a soft whipped top that Ben & Jerry’s Sundae flavours are famous for, and finished off with traceably sourced Open Chain chocolatey chunks – providing more indulgence in every spoonful.
The values-led ice cream maker is also introducing a new SKU, Spectacu-love, as a decadent addition to its core collection. Inspired by market insight that demonstrates a popular consumer trend of speculoos cookie, the fully loaded tub is jam packed with chunks of crunchy, golden speculoos cookies, nestled into sweet cream ice cream with swirls of complimentary smooth caramelized cookies. Ben & Jerry’s three mouth-watering new flavours will launch into the grocery and convenience channels from 4 January 2024.
“Ben & Jerry’s is known for its innovation, and we are excited to introduce three new taste adventures to fans’ spoons,” said Flo Howell, Country Business Lead at Ben & Jerry’s UK. “Our Sundaes flavours topped with a never-before-seen whipped top continue to be a hit, so we’re thrilled to be adding two brand new flavours, Marshmallow & S’more and Oat of this Swirled to the range.
“Out of this Swirled will be our first flavour made with the new oat-based formula, allowing our ever-popular Sundaes range even more inclusive for our non-dairy fans. Using oat for our new dairy alternative base offers an improved taste and texture, resulting in a dairy-free tub with no compromise. The rest of our non-dairy range will also be making the switch to the new oat base throughout the year.”
Marshmallow & S’more
Although traditionally associated with the American campfire dessert, s’mores products and flavours are growing in Europe. A recent CMI study shows that 60 per cent of respondents were aware of s’mores, but that there is an opportunity to raise more awareness of the flavour and drive excitement surrounding the concept. Filling this gap in the market, Marshmallows & S’more brings the nostalgic American flavour to the EU in decadent ice cream Sundae form.
The tub of rich chocolate ice cream is jam packed with chocolate cookie dough chunks and gooey marshmallow swirls, topped with a creamy whipped ice cream, toasted marshmallow caramel swirls and popping candy traceably sourced Open Chain chocolate. The new flavour offers a complete dessert solution and drives consumer trade upwards with uber-indulgence.
Oat of this Swirled
Oat of this Swirled Sundae is the first Non-Dairy ice cream flavour purposefully created with Ben & Jerry’s new oat-base recipe. In August the ice cream maker announced it will transition its entire non-dairy ice cream portfolio from the current almond-base to an oat-base mix. Oat of this Swirled is the first ice cream flavour to be made using the new oat recipe.
The burnt sugar Non-Dairy ice cream is loaded with oat cinnamon cookies and toasty marshmallow-y caramel swirls, topped off with a soft whipped top and Open Chain chocolatey chunks.
Ben & Jerry’s new non-dairy recipe is made with oats, creating a smooth and indulgent texture that allows flavours like chocolate, decadent caramel, and rich vanilla to shine as intended, giving fans the most indulgent taste experience they deserve. In consumer testing, the new non-dairy formulation saw increased repeat purchase interest with both current and potential Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy buyers.
Spectacu-love
Spectacu-love is the latest addition to Ben & Jerry’s iconic line-up of cookie-filled ice cream flavours. The tub is loaded full of chunks of crunchy, golden speculoos cookies, nestled into sweet cream ice cream with swirls of complimentary smooth caramelised cookies, harnessing the popularity of the speculoos cookie. According to recent CMI research, when faced with a choice between flavours, sweet cream continues to prevail with shoppers in terms of appeal, and 84 per cent of Ben & Jerry’s fans regard the new flavour as new and different.
Ben & Jerry’s Marshmallow & S’more (Sundaes Range)
Natural cheese slice brand Leerdammer will launch its new “Incognito” TV advertising campaign on 20 January – aiming to drive memorability with consumers by tapping into the brand’s “Deliciously Different” positioning and comedic tone of voice.
Based on the insight that Leerdammer’s mild and nutty flavour profile is truly irresistible, keeping consumers coming back time and time again, the ad sees a shopper returning to a supermarket sampling counter ‘incognito’ in various disguises, to enjoy multiple tastes of the cheese.
Expected to reach over 7.6m ABC1 25-45 consumers, the campaign will promote Leerdammer’s flagship slices range – Leerdammer Original Slices and Leerdammer Light Slices – across BVOD and YouTube advertising. With a total investment of more than £800k, the first phase of advertising will run from 20 January to 9 February, to be followed with activity in May and September – supported with proximity six-sheets, as well as online and in-store activations.
The new ad scored highly in testing, with a 98 per cent Awareness Index and an outstanding ability to generate sales in the short-term (95 per cent). As well as excellent cut-through potential and strong persuasion, with an excellent ability to build the brand positioning.
“We know that Leerdammer’s mild and nutty flavour profile keeps consumers coming back for more and this new advert brings this to life brilliantly, while playing to the brand’s unique, fun tone of voice,” said Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland.
“We expect the ad to drive brand memorability and strengthen engagement with shoppers – new and existing, in turn increasing purchase intent and basket size. And overall, we hope it encourages shoppers to return ‘time and time again’ for a taste of Leerdammer!”
Kellogg’s has announced the launch of a new Caramel flavour to its Coco Pops Chocos range.
The new addition follows the launch of Coco Pops Chocos in 2023, which was crowned top spot in the cereal category of last year’s Product of the Year awards.
Like the original Coco Pops Chocos, the new variant comprises curved, crunchy cocoa shells, but with an exciting caramel twist.
Food developers have created a balanced blend of rich roasted cocoa and creamy caramel, with the shells expertly cooked and shaped to give their signature crunchy texture.
All of Kellogg’s children’s cereals are non-HFSS including this new Coco Pops variant. It’s also high in fibre, forming part of Kellogg’s continued efforts to help families make healthier choices in the morning.
“We’re excited to be expanding our kids’ cereal line-up with this delicious Coco Pops Chocos addition,” Lejla Damon, shopper marketing & kids brand manager, Kellogg’s UKI said.
“It’s high in fibre, a delicious blend of chocolatey caramel flavour, and wonderfully crunchy. One for the whole family to enjoy!”
Coco Pops Chocos Caramel joins Kellogg’s diverse range of cereals, continuing its legacy of being the ‘OG of breakfast’. This legacy has been amplified by Kellogg’s £75m investment into its Wrexham cereal factory, set to more than double its production capacity – its largest single investment into British cereal production in over 30 years.
The new flavour will be available for shoppers to buy from January. Each 420g pack is £3.29 RRP.
Sweet maker Swizzels has unveiled a brand-new limited-edition product in time for Valentine’s Day, combining two of its most-loved brands into one treat: Squashies Love Hearts.
Offering a fresh twist on two popular classics, the new Squashies Love Hearts combine Squashies’ signature soft texture with the iconic and timeless messages of Love Hearts.
Squashies remain the No. 1 sugar confectionery brand in the market, while Love Hearts see consistent growth, with 950,000 units sold during the Valentine’s period and a 10 per cent year-on-year growth in brand value. Building on this success, Swizzels has combined the two household names to create a fast-moving and profitable addition to any retailer’s offering.
Available in 120g bags and sold in cases of 12, each foam sweet is embossed with a fun message or emoji, making them ideal for sharing with a loved one. Messages include "KISS", "WOW", "FAB", and "LOVE", alongside two cheerful and romantic emojis, adding a playful touch.
With an MRSP of £1.15, the new product retains the classic colours and flavours of traditional Love Hearts, including Pineapple, Lime, Blackcurrant, Lemon, Cherry, and Orange.
Swizzels’ Love Hearts range remains a Valentine’s Day favourite, led by the popular 39g Giant Love Hearts rolls, which outsell any other Valentine’s SKU with 621,000 units sold during the season.
Other fan-favourites from the range include Love Hearts Originals Hanging Bags, the 15g mini Love Hearts rolls and Giant Love Hearts multipacks.
“We’re excited to introduce a delicious and innovative new product that combines two of our most popular brands, delivering the same moreish flavours and signature texture - with an added twist," said trade marketing manager Clare Newton.
“Squashies Love Hearts bring something new to retailers’ offering, appealing to shoppers looking for unique yet familiar treats for themselves or as a special gift to someone else.
“Our Valentine’s range is all about sharing the love, regardless of relationship status - whether it’s romantic love, familial love or friendship and we hope the new Squashies Love Hearts will help to do just that.”
The launch is part of a broader campaign, featuring national research that explores how love and Valentine’s Day have evolved, and examining how the ways people express and seek love have changed over the years.
KP Snacks has today named Tom Grennan, one of the UK’s biggest solo pop music artists, as its official popchips ambassador. The new partnership between the beacon “Better for You” brand and the pop star taps into popchips’ positive, feel-good positioning while enhancing the brand’s relevance.
As an ambassador, Tom Grennan will perform at a special event delivered by popchips in May. Tickets to this exclusive event will be available as prizes in a brand new on-pack promotion running across the popchips portfolio from 27 January until the end of March. Featuring a flash of Tom holding a single popchip and microphone, the on-pack also offers consumers the chance to win cash prizes and tickets to leading UK festivals.
To celebrate Tom Grennan becoming a popchips ambassador, the brand will be supported by a £1m media investment with a campaign running across OOH and social media channels, as well as audio platforms including Spotify.
Building on the passion people have for music, popchips is proud to be the exclusive snack brand partner of the Latitude Festival for the second consecutive year. This year, the brand has extended its festival partnership with the addition of The Isle of Wight Festival, growing its reach within key cultural moments and driving its association with feel-good occasions. To further engage consumers, popchips will deliver exciting new marketing activations across both festivals.
“We are delighted to announce Tom Grennan as the official popchips ambassador," said Alex Callender, Brand Manager at popchips. "As a brand known for its positive energy, we are committed to tapping into culturally relevant moments in our consumers’ lives to drive a stronger emotional connection and boost brand penetration. By sponsoring two key UK festivals, we are taking this one step further, engaging consumers in an exciting setting and giving our leading ‘Better for You’ brand true differentiation.”
Worth £42.7m, popchips is the number two healthier brand in the CSN market with a 14 per cent share of the Healthier Snacking segment. Available in a variety of flavours and formats, the entire popchips range is non-HFSS. The new on-pack promotion will run across the entire popchips range including sharing, multipack, single and price-marked pack formats.
Confectionery challenger brand Bebeto is kicking off 2025 with a ground-breaking debut: its first-ever Valentine’s range featuring innovative liquid-filled technology.
You Melt My Heart liquid-filled gummy soft hearts contain two delicious flavours – Strawberry and Cherry – each with a luscious raspberry liquid filling for an extra-special touch. They are available in 130g hanging bags (£1 SSP) and 400g heart-shaped tubs (SSP £3), making the perfect Valentine’s gift or to share and show someone you care. To make them even sweeter, they contain no artificial colours or flavours and are halal certified.
Bebeto’s cutting-edge liquid-filling technique transforms traditional, firm, gummy sweets into gooey, flavour-packed treats with a juicy, melt in the mouth centre inside each foam-backed gummy, delivering a fun, sensory experience unlike any other. “Liquid-filled technology is one of the most exciting trends in confectionery today,” says Phil Hulme, Commercial Director at Kervan Gida UK.
“It’s particularly popular with Gen Z, who love experimenting with bold flavours and textures. We’re thrilled to lead the way with this innovation and offer UK consumers a unique, high-quality confectionery experience this Valentine’s. This marks an exciting new chapter for the Bebeto brand in the UK. Seasonal offerings have played a pivotal role in driving our growth, as demonstrated by the remarkable success of our Halloween range. Building on this momentum, we are expanding our seasonal portfolio in 2025 with fresh, innovative product developments that help bring even more joy to consumer celebrations.”
While the liquid-filling process requires advanced technology and extra production time, Bebeto is committed to keeping prices competitive, ensuring these premium treats remain accessible to all. Look out for further exciting liquid-filled NPD from Bebeto this year.
Rolling out from January, Bebeto’s You Melt My Heart range will be available in Spar UK and also through Parfetts Cash and Carry.