Sweet to the core
vWhen it comes to snacking, confectionery comes out on top of all categories, a recent Bord Bia report reveals – beating off competition from both crisps and fruit. It’s clear the appeal of sweet treats remains as irresistible as ever, writes Gillian Hamill
Print12 September 2014
AT A GLANCE: CONFECTIONERY
Young adults (16 – 24 year-olds) are the highest snackers at over three times a day*
The top three snacking categories across all markets are confectionery (21%), crisps and (15%) and fruit (12%)*
Four out of five (78%) snacking occasions occur at home and 22% out of home* 72% of total snacks are purchased in the supermarket*
The peak period for snacking is between 3pm and 6pm, with this period accounting for almost one quarter (23%) of all snacking occasions*
On average we spend €2.13 per snack in the Republic of Ireland and £1.59 in the UK* *(Source: “Snacking in Ireland and the UK”, Bord Bia, March 2014)
Young adults (16 – 24 year-olds) are the highest snackers at over three times a day, according to a recent report from Bord Bia entitled “Snacking in Ireland and the UK”, published in March 2014. The top three snacking categories across all markets are confectionery (21%), crisps (15%) and fruit (12%). The vast majority, four out of five (78%) of snacking occasions occur at home and 22% are out of home. Altogether, 72% of total snacks are purchased in the supermarket.
Bord Bia’s research also showed that we snack regularly throughout the day, with the peak period between 3pm and 6pm accounting for almost one quarter (23%) of all snacking occasions. Five key need states were identified for snacking – to energise (26%), as a habit (22%), indulge (21%), nourish (18%) and for health and wellbeing (13%). On average we spend €2.13 per snack in the Republic of Ireland and £1.59 in the UK. Showing just how ubiquitous the appeal of chocolate is, a 2013 report by Mintel showed that just 5% of UK consumers had not eaten chocolate in the past six months.
Discovering the new Galaxy Little Treat
Galaxy is the second biggest chocolate brand in Ireland* and is currently growing at +6%**. This autumn, Galaxy is introducing Galaxy Little Treat, a nifty new way to enjoy its silky smooth milk chocolate. This latest addition to the range is 23g of pure pleasure, combining the need for an adult treat with an on-the-go format solution. It has an RRP of €0.69 and comes in 36 count display ready cases, perfect for popping beside the till or at the coffee station.
The nationwide roll-out will be supported by a strong outdoor campaign including super rears, metro panels and six sheets at point of purchase, along with a heavyweight digital activation programme. In-store the launch will be supported with a tailored suite of visually engaging POS to ensure the product cannot be missed, driving incremental, impulsive sales. This new addition to the range comes on the back of the hugely successful Galaxy Style Exchange campaign earlier in the summer that invited consumers to upgrade their wardrobe by swapping stylish items of clothing with friends.
*(Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total Chocolate Value Sales MAT to 13 July 2014)
**(Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total Chocolate Galaxy Value Sales latest 12 weeks to 13 July 2014)
The Jelly Bean Factory provides a number of innovative formats including the 200g cupGive it some jelly!
Give it some jelly!
The Jelly Bean Factory produces 36 different flavours ranging from Passion Fruit to Pina Colada, Liquorice to Cinnam
Established in 1998 by father and son team – Peter and Richard Cullen of Dublin – The Jelly Bean Factory is Europe’s leading producer of Gourmet Jelly Beans. The company produces over 12 million Gourmet Jelly Beans daily in 36 different flavours ranging from Passion Fruit to Pina Colada, Liquorice to Cinnamon in various innovative pack formats to meet all trade and consumer needs. From impulse (50g sachets, 75g box, 100g tubes) to sharing (113g pouch packs, 200g cups, 435g carry bag) to informal gifting (225g boxes, 325g boxes, 400g cans) to formal gifting (reusable jars ranging from 650g to 4.2kg) to novelty gifting (ceramic range, bean machine) and an extensive seasonal collection to suit every customer requirement.
Each Gourmet Jelly Bean takes 14 days to come off the production line and the flavour runs right through each bean, from centre to shell to deliver a full-on taste explosion. Each gourmet jelly bean from The Jelly Bean Factory uses 100% natural flavours and added fruit juice in the fruit flavours, and contains no artificial colours. They are gluten free, nut free, gelatine free, GMO free, Kosher certified and Halal compliant as well as being suitable for vegetarians and coeliacs. In May 2014, The Jelly Bean Factory was acquired by Swedish based confectionery company Cloetta. For more information contact E: info@jellybeanfactory.com T: 01 640 9333 W: www.jellybeanfactory.com.
Kit Kat Chunky launches new caramel bar
One half of the new Kit Kat Chunky Double Caramel features a smooth runny caramel inside whilst the other half contains a contrasting crunchy caramel filling
Available since 25 August, Kit Kat Chunky Double Caramel has an RRP of 94 cents*
Nestlé Confectionery’s flagship brand Kit Kat has announced a significant new launch for its Chunky format – Kit Kat Chunky Double Caramel.
The new bar is set to offer consumers a unique concept– two portionable halves, each containing a contrasting texture of caramel. One half features a smooth runny caramel inside whilst the other half contains a contrasting crunchy caramel filling. Each caramel texture sits on top of crispy wafer and is covered in thick milk chocolate.
While targeting 25-35 year olds, the double textured caramel centre will also ensure that the bar has a broad consumer appeal. Available since 25 August, Kit Kat Chunky Double Caramel has an RRP of 94 cents*
The launch of Kit Kat Double Caramel is supported by a digital and social media campaign set to reach 23 million people across the UK and Ireland with at least seven unique opportunities for viewing. A viral film designed for Youtube will launch in September and be amplified through social media and digital channels including Facebook and Google. In addition to this, the launch will also be supported through an outdoor advertising campaign as well as strong in-store point of sale displays. Kit Kat has over one million fans on Facebook alone, who will be keen to try this major new launch for themselves. The brand states retailers should therefore expect a high level of trial. *Pricing is as the sole discretion of the retailer and the retailer is responsible for determining consumer prices. Nestlé Ireland may only recommend resale prices and the retailer remains at all times free to follow or not follow such recommendations.
Sophisticated taste sensations
Lily O’Brien’s has developed three new premium snacking pouches for all year round
A growing number of consumers are demanding more from their daily indulgence…more sophisticated taste sensations, more variety of flavours and richer levels of indulgence. In order to appeal to a more sophisticated and savvy consumer audience, Lily O’Brien’s has focused on new product innovation in 2014 and has developed three new premium snacking pouches for all year round. Packaged in high quality re-sealable pouches for easy portion control and storage, the three new recipes include Creamy Caramel with Sea Salt; Stem Ginger Batons and Cocoa Cookie clusters.
In contrast the company’s two best-loved signature recipes, Sticky Toffee and Crispy Hearts, have not been tweaked or re-developed but are being made available this autumn in new single variant gift boxes as a direct response to consumer demand. Containing 12 chocolates; tasting as mouth-wateringly delicious as ever and with a RRP of €5.00, these new additions to the range are certain to grow sales and market share.
Throughout the year Lily O’Brien’s range includes products for gifting, sharing and self-treating, however the brand is still probably best known for its outstanding seasonal offerings and 2014 is no exception. Lily O’Brien’s Christmas range is due to hit store shelves in late September and includes a wonderful array of festive gifts and treats such as the best-selling 190g Ultimate Chocolate Collection in a festive red grosgrain ribbon – an ideal gift and must-stock item. For grander gestures the 430g Petit Indulgence Gift Collection is perfect for affordable family gifting or sharing. Lily O’Brien’s is distributed nationwide through Tennant & Ruttle.
A taste of luxury
Filled with smooth melting chocolate, the Lindt Lindor truffles are encased in a Lindt chocolate shell
The new Lindor Pick n Mix concept will now give Lindor fans the chance to try even more Lindor flavours
Whether as a gift to a friend, a loved one or even yourself, Lindt Lindor will help consumers make a statement this Christmas. Filled with smooth melting chocolate, the Lindt Lindor truffles are tasty delights enrobed in a Lindt chocolate shell. Each truffle is wrapped in an individual jewel coloured foil wrapper and comes in a variety of tasty flavours. Lindor fans can now try even more Lindor flavours with the launch of Lindor Pick n Mix, available in all leading retailers for the first time from September. The Lindor Pick n Mix concept includes flavours such as Dark Orange, Coconut & Hazelnut, as well the classic Milk, White & Dark, and the Christmas limited edition flavour Stracciatella.
Christmas 2014 also sees the launch of a new Lindor Limited Edition 200g cornet: Lindor Milk & White. The outer shell of smooth melting Lindor milk enrobes a smooth white chocolate centre. Lindt Lindor is available in 200g (RRP €6.49) and 337g (RRP €9.49). The company has told consumers to look out for special promotional prices in all leading retailers this Christmas.
The bear necessities
The Lindt master chocolatiers have lovingly crafted an adorable symbol of love for Christmas – the Lindt 
Bear.“Following the international success of the Lindt Gold Bunny at Easter time, the Lindt Bear is the newest edition to the Lindt Christmas novelty family and joins the ever-popular Lindt Gold Reindeer and Lindt Santa characters,” says Lindt marketing director Mairead Garvan.
Made with the finest Lindt milk chocolate, dressed in luxurious gold foil and adorned with a heart charm, the Lindt Bear is the perfect token of affection to gift to loved ones and makes a great stocking filler. The Lindt Bear is available in stores nationwide RRP €3.99 (100g), and also on special offer in all leading retailers.
A Halloween spooktacular
Iconic confectionery brand and giant of the Halloween season, Swizzels, is preparing for a sellout spooky season with an extensive range of sweet treats.
To continue the success in 2014, Swizzels will launch a variety of sweet products, ideal for all Halloween occasions.
The classic range of Swizzels favourites – Lots of Lollies, Bumper Bag, and Chew Crew were among the top selling products last year. The individually wrapped sweets make them the perfect choice for trick or treaters and parties, with great value available.
Swizzels also offers its excellent value Party Tub which includes a host of its popular goodies including classic Love Hearts, Double Lollies, Refreshers, Fruity Pops and Fizzers.
Swizzels is the UK’s largest family-owned independent sugar confectionery business.
Squashies range of retro favourites
Swizzels launched a new sweet range this summer that sees household favourite retro brands, Drumsticks, Refreshers, Love Hearts and Double Lollies, transformed into a soft range called Squashies.
From Double Lollies to the popular Drumstick gums, we all fondly remember these iconic sweets from our childhood and now consumers can re-live the memories with a soft version of these retro treats. With no artificial colours, there’s a Squashie for everyone to tingle the tastebuds of all big kids.
The Squashies range of Double Lollies, Drumsticks, Refreshers and Love Hearts are now available in 45g bags. Larger 160g bags are also available at Dunnes Stores across Ireland. The RRP is €0.50 for the 45g bag and €1.89 for the 160g bag.
1D Love is in the air
After 60 years of production, Love Hearts sweets remain as popular as ever with 1.75 billion produced each year. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, Swizzels has released a limited edition range of the iconic Love Hearts sweets in Ireland with messages including ‘I love Louis’, ‘Harry 4 U’, ‘1D’, ‘Always Niall’, ‘Zayn 4 me’ and ‘Liam Rocks’.
The limited edition #1DLoveHearts are currently available at Dunnes Stores and selected Londis, Daytoday, Topaz, and Gala stores nationwide. RRP €2.00.
Q & A with…
Simon Demery, general sales manager, Swizzels Ireland
Swizzels has decided to rebrand/ refresh the brand, why do you believe there was a need to do this?
The company has been trading in the confectionery sector for over 80 years during which time consumers have really demonstrated an affection for the brand. Our research showed that many consumers already referred to our company as “Swizzels” rather than “Swizzels Matlow” and they felt that the word Swizzels was a fun and catchy name for a sweet manufacturer. We have simplified the logo to make it more legible and the shorter name means we can make the logo larger on packs. Our product brands such as Love Hearts and Drumstick lollies have very high awareness levels but many consumers don’t know that they are made by Swizzels. By making the logo more prominent we hope to build awareness of Swizzels as a brand and we feel the refreshed logo demonstrates a more contemporary look and feel while maintaining the brand’s heritage.
What are the plans for the re-launch?
The new logo is currently being rolled out across all of our products which is a significant project for Swizzels. As part of this, we are re-launching their variety bags: Bumper Bag, Lots of Lollies and Chew Crew. The vibrant new bag designs and many of the individual wrappers have been redesigned too. The variety bags contain a selection of best loved brands and these are perfect for both Halloween and Christmas as the individually wrapped products are perfect for sharing.
Excellent elephant partnership
Dublin Zoo has welcomed The Natural Confectionery Company on board as sponsors of the Asian elephant habitat – the Kaziranga Forest Trail. The partnership between Dublin Zoo and The Natural Confectionery Company is a great fit for both companies and will help contribute to the upkeep of the Kaziranga Forest Trail and conservation programmes in the wild.
To celebrate the partnership, Dublin Zoo and the Natural Confectionary Company will be inviting the public over the coming weeks to help name the new calf / bull elephant based on his / her Asian origin. The competition will be run through the TNCC Facebook page and one lucky family will get to officially name the new arrival at an event in Dublin Zoo.
Beautiful inside and out
Butlers Chocolates is delighted to announce that the company has been selected once again to partner with the National Lottery’s Hampers, Sweets and Treats scratch card game, launching at the start of October.
Butlers 225g Assortment is also available this year in an attractive new display HOD which holds 60 units in addition to the regular case of six units. The HOD will enhance in-store display and help drive impulse sales. The 225g assortment, which is the chocolate prize in the game, features a collection of 20 alcohol-free truffles and pralines in milk, dark and white chocolate, beautifully presented in a luxury gold box with coordinated wraparound and a stunning gold ribbon.
The Butlers 225g Ballotin will be distributed by Richmond Marketing (call 6233222 or email orders@richmondmarketing.com for more details or to place an order). This company believes the offering represents is a great opportunity for retailers to maximise revenue from this popular Christmas game from the National Lottery. Not only do retailers make a margin on the ticket, but they can also make a margin on the box of chocolates. Butlers therefore advises stocking up on this great Irish produced line in plenty of time to make the most of the season ahead.
Q & A with … Olivia Curran of An Olivia Chocolates
Olivia Curran, founder at An Olivia Chocolates celebrates her success at the Blas na hEireann Awards where she received several trophies including the Supreme Champion accolade
Can you take us through your professional background and how you came to set up your company?
All my life, I have loved chocolate, every Christmas morning I would watch ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. It was a tradition we had in our house. I loved Willy Wonka’s magical garden and always wanted to make stuff like it.
While in college, the confectionery company Lir offered me a six week work placement. I loved it but all the tempering and mixing work was done by machines and I wanted something more hands on. They offered me a full-time job but I didn’t want to stay in Dublin and wanted to do something for myself.
I saved my SSIA for five years and when it matured, I decided instead of building my house I’d invest it in my business as I reckoned life is too short not to do what I loved. I searched the world for machinery and moulds; researched other chocolate companies to see what they were doing and tried to have totally different products and ideas.
I did a professional chocolate course, chocolate patisserie course and sculpture course with some of the French and English chocolate ambassadors and world chocolate masters. At different stages I was in the kitchen with the top chefs from The Royal Opera House, Coventry Garden, Knightsbridge, The Savoy and even Heston Blumenthal’s pastry chef. There was times I felt I was out of my league but then thought ‘Why not me?”
When did you launch your business?
I officially launched the business on Easter Sunday 2010 at a street fair on Dominic Street in Mullingar. I joined the local Westmeath Food Network, which is a group of local food producers within Westmeath. Last year with the help of the Westmeath Food network co-ordinator Rebecca O’Brien, I entered Blas na hEireann.
At the finals I won Gold – Luxury Chocolate Box (12 choc mixed); Gold – Pudinies; Gold – Irish Cream Hot Chocolate Pot and Silver – Irish Cream Hot Chocolate Pot. But the icing on the cake was Supreme Champion. Since winning I have reworked the An Olivia Chocolate logo and have drawn up new packaging twice as I love the clear lids and want people to see the product. I was also very privileged to receive a “Pride of Ireland” award in January.
Olivia Curran takes great care over all her chocolate designs
How do you see the business developing over the next few years? Are you planning any expansions and NPD?
I have come up with a new box of 12 chocolates and am working on a fab new project which I won’t let the cat out of the bag on just yet. With this win I want to help as many people as possible, I have incorporated as many other Irish artisan products into my chocolates as I can. I have used Irish honey, poitin, cream, coffee, salt, elderflower etc. There will be more coming at a later stage, but for now I want to be able to endorse other food producers and vice versa. I definitely need a bigger kitchen and am in the process of drawing up plans.
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