Vapes Bars has announced the upcoming nationwide launch of its new Angel 2400 device.
The innovative product will soon be available in 50,000 major supermarket stores and FMCG outlets across the UK. The extensive rollout, expected to be completed within the next couple of months, aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable vaping solutions.
In addition, Vapes Bars has set an ambitious goal to expand to an additional 40,000 independent retailers within the next 12 months.
The Angel 2400 4-in-1 device combines four 2ml tanks into one versatile, rechargeable device. This design offers the flexibility of four flavours, significant cost savings for consumers, and reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable vapes.
“The move is driven by tougher regulations for disposable vapes, but it only makes sense to make it available everywhere,” Adam Matliwala, chief executive of Vapes Bars, said.
“The Angel 2400 is designed to set a new standard in the vaping industry. Our focus on environmental sustainability and consumer savings makes this product truly unique. By making the Angel device and pods available in over 50,000 stores, we aim to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective vaping solution that meets the needs of a broad audience.”
The winners of Product of the Year 2025 have been revealed, as decided by 8,000 UK consumers in the annual survey of product innovation that spotlights the A-list of FMCG and beyond.
Beauty, homeware and pet products have dominated the list this year – with two new categories, ‘Financial Services’ and ‘Garden Lifestyle’ making their debuts as Product of the Year firsts.
Over two decades, Product of the Year has gained a reputation for putting brands and products on the map, by giving them the recognition they deserve. The eye-catching logo has an 81 per cent recognition among shoppers and can be spotted in all major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. Commonly regarded as a seal of approval amid a sea of products on shop shelves, it’s a vote of confidence by consumers for consumers. The research has been independently conducted with the world’s leading data and insights company, Kantar. Brands that are fortunate to "walk away" with a coveted trophy also win the right to feature the iconic red Product of the Year logo.
Natural beauty is a recurring theme among this year’s beauty and wellness winners, which included Dove Advanced Care Body Wash range, NIVEA’s Serum-Infused Micellar Water Skin Glow – the UK’s first serum-infused micellar water, and Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Lotion SPF50 on the market Haircare and grooming winners were Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense (hair colour) and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Razor.
In the Beer corner, Birra Moretti 'Sale Di Mare', inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, won the prize. For RTDs, it was Jack Daniel's & Coca‑Cola, and Strongbow Strawberry – a much-celebrated addition to the fruity ciders range – won in the cider category.
Vegetarians will rejoice that Lurpak Plant Based, ree from palm oil, preservatives, colourings, and other additives, won the ‘Vegetarian’ category. The Walkers Extra Flamin' Hot range, which consists of Doritos, Wotsits Crunchy and Walkers Max, came top in ‘Crisps and Bagged Snacks’, and in the frozen aisle, Birds Eye Crispy Chips came top, combining the crispiness of French fries with the fluffiness of straight-cut chips.
Perfetti Van Melle scored a double victory with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Duo Packs also Mentos Discovery. The latter is a Perfetti Van Melle category-first this Product of the Year awards season – 14 iconic fruit flavours in one tube make for a tantalising taste experience.
Meanwhile, in soft drinks, three winners came a caffeine kick. Kenco Millicano Cadbury Mocha, a rich and creamy barista-style coffee experience won, alongside Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee and Starbucks Frappuccino Caramel No Added Sugar.
Pets were no doubt pleased that Felix Doubly Delicious Dry Cat Food was named the Product of the Year winner within the "Cat Food" category and Winalot Friday Suppers in "Dog Food".
“We’re delighted to see so many incredible innovators receive the recognition they deserve,” says Helga Slater, MD, Product of the Year. “From category-firsts to world-firsts, this year’s winners reveal an evolving consumer landscape and what better recognition than that of the voting public – all 8,000 of them!”
Here is the full list of 2025 Product of the Year winners across 39 categories to help your sales with the famous red sticker on the pack:
Bed, Simba St Ives Ottoman Bed, Simba Sleep Ltd
Bedding: Simba Hybrid Pillow, Simba Sleep Ltd
Beer: Birra Moretti 'Sale Di Mare', Heineken
Bladder Weakness: TENA Silhouette Incontinence Underwear, Essity UK Ltd
Body Skincare: Dove Advanced Care Body Wash Range, Unilever
In a precautionary move, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a recall of a limited number of its soft drink products in Britain due to the potential presence of elevated levels of chlorate.
This recall in Britain is part of a larger action taken by CCEP across Europe. Earlier this week, the company announced a significant recall of Coca-Cola, Sprite, and other beverages in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg due to similar concerns about elevated chlorate levels.
While the company noted that the risk to food safety is low, particularly for occasional consumers, individuals sensitive to chlorate - especially those with mild to moderate iodine deficiency - may face heightened health risks.
The recall affects specific batches of Appletiser 6x250ml cans and 330 ml ‘tall’ imported cans of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Sprite Zero, which were sent only to cafés and restaurants.
The company said standard-sized cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted. Consumers are also urged to check the production codes on the bottom of the cans, as only products with codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE are included in the recall.
Batch codes and best-before dates for the affected products are as follows:
Appletiser 100% Apple Juice Gently Sparkling (6 x 250ml multipack): Batch codes 0008905850 and 0008908477; best before 30 November 2025 and 31 December 2025.
Coca-Cola (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008912462; best before 30 November 2025.
Diet Coke (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913820; best before 31 May 2025.
Coca-Cola Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913954; best before 31 May 2025.
Sprite Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913247; best before 30 June 2025.
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing, can inhibit iodine uptake in the body when consumed over long periods. This may lead to adverse health effects such as goitre, particularly in individuals with pre-existing thyroid deficiencies. Acute exposure to high levels of chlorate could also impair the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood and, in severe cases, result in kidney failure.
CCEP has issued point-of-sale notices to retail stores to inform customers about the recall and provide guidance on what to do if they have purchased the affected products.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them. They should call Coca-Cola's customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.
Angel, a British brand from Vapes Bars, has introduced the Angel 20K, a reusable and rechargeable vaping device offering up to 20,000 puffs with 2 x 12ml pre-filled pods.
Available at a competitive £11.99 RRP, Vapes Bars said retailers can sell the device with confidence, as it is UK disposable vape ban exempt, featuring a fully compliant design with a 2ml pod and a 10ml refill container on each side, ensuring a total of 24ml e-liquid capacity, fully aligned with regulatory requirements.
In addition, vapers can now save up to 70 per cent with the Angel 20K, compared to traditional 2400-puff devices, enjoying superior flavour and unmatched convenience.
“As we step into 2025, Angel is setting a new direction for vaping innovation, sustainability, and cost savings. We’re not just about offering high-quality products; we’re a purpose-driven brand focused on creating a positive impact for both vapers and our B2B partners,” said Adam Matliwala, Vapes Bars chief executive.
The latest launch follows the launch last year of the Angel 2400 4-in-1 device, which combines four 2ml tanks into one versatile, rechargeable device.
Leading confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has revealed its range of Mother’s Day treats for 2025.
The range offers a wide variety of gifting options, from elegantly packaged confectionery and premium chocolate boxes to beloved classic treats.
The Bonds Pun Boxes are an award winning range and with vibrant packaging, these fun confectionery boxes are retailed for £2.
Hearts & Kisses and Love You More Than Pizza boxes are some of the best sellers from this range and excellent choices for Mother’s Day.
Another popular Bonds gifting option is the Bonds Pick ‘n’ Mix Set (RRP £3.50), filled with customer favourites including Teeth & Lips, Mini Jelly Babies, Watermelon Slices and Pink and Blue Bottles.
Chocolate Rose is a confectionery take on the traditional rose flower, a fun, loving gift, sure to wow and retails at just £1.
Candy Realms, The Sweetest Mix Candy Cup is a mix of classic confectionary favourites. Combining a range of Candy Realms sweets in one with an RRP of £1.99.
Hancocks also stocks the popular Anthon Berg premium chocolates, providing a luxurious Mother’s Day treat. This range includes chocolate cocktails and chocolate liqueurs, 16 pieces retail at £12.99.
Lindor Truffle Boxes are a popular choice of chocolate, with a selection to suit all tastes from dark to white chocolate and mint to blood orange flavours, with an RRP of £5.99.
Hancocks also stock options for vegetarian and vegan confectionery for Mothers Day.
Booja-Booja is an award-winning brand of luxurious vegan chocolate, perfect for treating mum. This premium vegan gift choice has an RRP of £14.99.
This month sees the UK launch of CANS, an unsweetened carbonated soft drink range. On a mission to create a new 'non-sweet' category, the fledgling brand combines sparkling Alpine water with real fruit and effervescent bubbles. Made with just three ingredients, the range contains no added sugar, no sweeteners and nothing artificial!
Initially launching with three SKU’s, Apple, Cherry and Lemon (RRP: £1.39/330ml can), the drinks will be hitting the UK soon, with the full range will be available to independents via wholesalers in the coming months.
The brand, which first launched to market in the Czech Republic 15 months ago, has seen strong early success, selling more than 1million CANS to date. 2025 marks the entry into two new territories, the UK and the US, in a bid to secure sales of 8,000,000 CANS before the end of the year.
CANS is the brainchild of three co-founders, Jaroslav Beck, Dominic Rice and Jan Rambousek, who came together not to start a company, but to create an alternative to sweet drinks, one that people would actually want to drink and enjoy without remorse. When they couldn’t find anything that they were satisfied with already on the market, they decided to “rethink drink” and launch their own product.
Co-Founder and CEO Dominic Rice says: “Since we started our CANS journey 15 months ago we have been shaking up the soft drinks category with our ‘non sweet’ offering and we can’t wait to launch in the UK market. CANS does everything you would expect from a soft drink: quenches thirst, has a refreshing taste and yet comes without artificial additives, without sweeteners and without added sugar. The soft drinks are filled in a 330ml can that has already been recycled and can be recycled again.”
“Our goal is to reduce global overconsumption of sugar by rethinking simple things and making them right. Why do we drink so much sugar in the first place?" says Jaroslav Beck, co-founder, creator and main investor. “After the brilliant market launch in the Czech Republic in August 2023 with over 1 000 000 CANS already sold, which corresponds to a saving of 33 tonnes of sugar (equal to 8,250,000 sugar cubes) compared to conventional soft drinks, the launch in Slovakia and Germany followed in late 2024. Now the UK is the next step in CANS' mission to create and grow the best possible non-sweet drinks and with that fully establish the non-sweet category itself. We can’t wait to hear what our new customers think.”
CANS will also have a presence at five National trade shows including; Lunch! North and IFE in March, National Convenience Show in April, London Coffee Festival in May and Lunch! In September. The brand will also be at festivals during the summer including Taste of London and Goodwood Festival of Speed in July with the aim of sampling 500,000 CANS before the end of the year.