Lees of Scotland introduced new packaging for its Snowball and Teacakes in the UK in February, and the move is already showing positive results. The company has reported a 20% increase in sales of the brands, as the new packaging has reportedly helped secure increased distribution across the UK.

 

Unilever UK has announced it will team with Kinnerton to launch Magnum, Cornetto and Mini Milk ice cream products in a confectionery format for the first time in the UK market. Kinnerton notes consumer testing of the concepts and products were “extremely high,” among the highest the company has ever seen. 

 

The sugar and gum market in Brazil has surpassed the R$10 billion barrier for the first time, reports Mintel research, and the future appears similarly bright, with the research group anticipating the market will enjoy at least 5% annual growth through 2016. Prompting the uptick in fortunes has been more robust product offerings, buoyed by higher-quality and more expensive sugar confectionery and gum products. Mintel’s report likewise finds Brazilian consumers open to new flavors and products; some 76% claim they like to try to new gums and sugar confections. 

 

In Israel, Carmit Candy has introduced Grow Strong milk chocolate coins containing calcium, potassium and vitamin D3, as well as the antioxidant astaxanthin. 

 

Hershey is launching its first brand outside the U.S. with its introduction of Lancaster in China. The premium milk candy will compete in the country’s fastest growing confectionery segment, worth an estimated $1.2 billion and accounting for a quarter of the country’s total candy market.