After the successful collaboration with Ghostbusters Afterlife in 2021, Walkers is partnering with Sony to celebrate the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, through an on-pack promotion. The promotion is set to give shoppers a chance to win incredible prizes every hour between 6am and midnight.
Adult shoppers are looking to engage in light-hearted activities and have fun, which is influencing their snacking and movie choices. Walkers and Ghostbusters’ new collaboration represents the perfect opportunity for retailers to capitalise on this behaviour and increase footfall into their stores.
Until 5 May, shoppers will have the chance to win prizes such as cinema tickets, private VIP screenings of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Sony store vouchers, and a trip for two to New York for a Ghostbusters-themed adventure holiday and an exclusive movie location tour. The promotion will be available across the Walkers Snacks portfolio of brands: Monster Munch, Wotsits, Squares and Quavers, in a range of formats including PMPs, sharing, grab bags and multipacks*, making them ideal for all snacking occasions.
“Our previous on-pack promotion for Ghostbusters: Afterlife created a buzz for film fanatics and shoppers alike," said Josephine Taylor, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at PepsiCo. "We’re pleased to be in partnership with Sony again to build on this, in honour of its Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire launch. Together, we are bringing an element of fun to snacking occasions such as the Big Night In, whilst also offering shoppers a chance to win some exciting prizes.
“We’ll be amplifying awareness of the collaboration through shopper and digital support, ensuring the promotion is at the forefront of shoppers’ minds. With incredible prizes on offer across our brands in different formats, retailers can leverage this opportunity to maximise sales.”
To boost visual impact and awareness of the on-pack promotion, Walkers has invested in shopper activations with impulse retailers until 17th April. This includes branded bays, aisle takeovers, and digital sheets. To spread further awareness of the collaboration, disruptive short form videos of Ghostbusters characters coming to life within a supermarket will be available in three lengths - 20 second, 6 second- and 3-seconds versions. The videos will be amplified across digital and social media platforms.
Peter Staines, Director of Partnerships & Promotions, Sony Pictures Releasing UK said: “Following our ground-breaking partnership on Ghostbusters: Afterlife we're delighted to announce our latest collaboration with Walkers Snacks in support of the launch of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The movie is huge in every way, so it’s only fitting that we deliver a gigantic partnership with the nations most beloved snack brands. We couldn’t be more excited to see the impactful campaign materials roll out in the coming weeks, delighting snack lovers and fans of the Ghostbusters franchise across the country.”
Until 5 May 2024, shoppers can scan a QR code on pack or visit www.walkers.co.uk/ghostbusters to enter their details along with a unique code to find out if they have won one of the Instant Win Prizes. Every hour between 06:00 and 23:59, shoppers will have a chance to win cinema tickets to see the new Ghostbusters movie, private "VIP" screenings of the new Ghostbuster movie, £25 Sony Store vouchers/£25 Amazon vouchers and the Grand Prize – a trip to New York.
Notes to editor:
*The Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire promotion is available across the below brands and formats:
Promotion T&Cs UK & ROI 18+. Instant Win: 06:00 11/03/24 – 23:59 05/05/24. Enter between 06:00 and 23:59 each day. Scan QR code on pack or visit www.walkers.co.uk/ghostbusters and enter your full name, email address and unique code starting with WX from pack to find out instantly if you have won one of the Instant Win Prizes allocated via winning moments (2,403 in total). At least 2 Instant Win Prizes to be won each hour. Following the end of the Instant Win Period, all entrants will automatically be entered into a Grand Prize Draw to win the Grand Prize. Wrap Up Draw: 00:00 06/05/24 – 23:59 03/08/24. All entries received during the Wrap Up Draw will be entered into a prize draw. Prizes: Instant Win: 1,250 pairs of standard cinema tickets to see the new GHOSTBUSTERS movie (a booking fee of £0.90 per ticket will apply to online bookings in the UK); 3 x Private ‘VIP’ screenings of the new GHOSTBUSTERS movie; 1,150 x £25 Sony Store vouchers (UK winners)/£25 amazon.co.uk vouchers (ROI winners); Grand Prize: 1 x trip for 2 to New York. Wrap Up Draw Prize: 50 x £25 Sony Store vouchers (UK winners)/£25 amazon.co.uk eGift cards (ROI winners). Purchase necessary. Keep receipt. Internet access required. Max 1 entry per person per day. Max 1 Instant Win and 1 Wrap Up Draw prize per person. Single prize pool across all promotional products. See walkers.co.uk/ghostbusters for full T&Cs and details. Promoter: Walkers Snacks Ltd and PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company.
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.”
British-Canadian brand, Pure Maple, has announced that its line of 100% pure maple syrup products are newly certified organic and have undergone a rebrand ahead of push to capitalise on the growing consumer interest in alternatives to refined sugar.
The newly organic products include Pure Maple’s Golden Delicate, Amber Rich, and Dark Robust maple syrups, which have relaunched at a competitive price point and have a RSP of £6.00 - £7.89 for a 236ml / 312g bottle size. This translates to £ 1.92 – £ 2.52 per 100g.
The rebrand features fresh, modern branding and a new Leone bottle shape which pays homage to the rich history of Canadian maple syrup, offering a bold but traditional aesthetic. The updated branding and organic certification come at a time when maple syrup’s popularity is increasing. The UK market is expected to reach 124.7 million USD by 2028 and while sugar maple is the segment’s leading revenue generator, the darker maple syrup category is set for particular growth, with consumers seeking out richer, more robust flavours.
“We are excited to bring our newly organic maple syrups to the UK market at such a compelling price," said Robert Ward, founder and partner at Pure Maple. "We understand that consumers are looking for value without compromising on quality and we’re proud to offer a product that meets the demand for premium foods at an accessible price point. Our maple syrups are produced and packed in Canada ensuring only authentic flavours and with the UK being the third largest export market for Canadian maple syrup, this is an important market for us to concentrate our growth.”
As inflation and the cost of living continue to impact purchasing decisions, the new price point of Pure Maple’s syrups are aligned with current market trends, offering consumers a premium product at a competitive cost. Price sensitivity plays an increasing role in the consumer decision making process and Pure Maple is responding by offering the same high-quality syrup at a price that reflects both the value and quality that customers demand.
The rebrand has initially rolled out on Pure Maple’s new organic maple syrups and will soon extend to the brand’s full range of products, including dairy free maple butter, maple cream cookies and salted maple popcorn in the coming months.
Pure Maple products are currently stocked in independent retailers across the UK.
Having entered the UK’s Top 10 Spirits in 2024, rising three places up the ranks verses last year, Jameson is continuing to recruit consumers through its Jameson, Ginger & Lime serve, newly extended Premium range, and its long-term partnership with the English Football League (EFL), the latter having helped deliver record high equity levels for the brand.
This St. Patrick’s Day, Jameson will bring to life its three core values of being welcoming, smooth and light-hearted, with a new campaign "Must Be A Jameson". Set to reach over 15 million consumers, the TV partnership will be live from 24 February to 14 April via Sky Sports, as well as Video on Demand (including ITV, Channel 4, Prime Video) and online video (YouTube).
Wembley Jameson event
The Sky Sports tie-up supports the brand’s long-term partnership with the EFL and as part of this, a large-scale experiential event will also be executed at the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday 16 March. The Jameson Bus "Orla Board" will be ready to greet over 80,000 Liverpool and Newcastle United fans as they descend on Wembley Stadium to see one team lift the trophy. The bus will be serving Jameson, Ginger & Lime drinks, handing out Jameson merchandise, as well as encouraging football fans to drink responsibly though the distribution of water as part of Pernod Ricard’s Drink More Water campaign.
“We’re going to paint the whole month green, not just St. Patrick’s Day Weekend!" said Josh McCarthy, Brand Director for Pernod Ricard UK. "The last 18-months has seen us gain so much momentum thanks to the hard work of our teams. We’ll be toasting all that’s great about Jameson with fans of our whiskey, our partners and some of our favourite creators. We’ve got a Yard Sale Pizza collab for the food lovers, our Jameson Bus at Wembley for the League Cup Final with the EFL and Jameson, Ginger & Lime samples to share with consumers across the country, you’re not going to miss us this March. Sláinte!”