Ferrero plans launch of Happy Hippos in UK

Ferrero UK is planning to launch Kinder Happy Hippo, a cream-filled wafer product aimed at young children, in the UK next spring. It is expected to be Ferrero’s key launch under the Kinder brand next year.

The hippo-shaped product, which is not chocolate covered, is already available on the continent. It will be available in single and multi-pack formats but it will be positioned as a confectionery product rather than as a biscuit.

Industry observers say that Ferrero always gives a lot of support to its product launches, and it is expected to do the same for Kinder Happy Hippo. Details of the marketing campaign are yet to be revealed.

Last month, Ferrero UK marketing director Neil McIntosh moved to the company’s German division to become marketing director for praline products, including the Ferrero Rocher brand. His old responsibilities are currently split between Markus Huelsmann, marketing manager for Ferrero Rocher, Nutella and Tic Tac, and Kinder products marketing manager Luigi Oddone. It is not clear whether McIntosh will be directly replaced (MW November 13).