Britvic readies first ever sweets range
Soft drinks manufacturer Britvic has licensed the use of its Robinsons squash brand for its first ever confectionery range.
Robinsons Classic Fruits aims to attract consumers loyal to the squash brand and hopes give the confectionery sector “a much needed shot in the arm”
The hanging-bag range of boiled sweets will RRP at £1.45 and Robinsons says the premium positioning will increase the company’s cash value.
The total boiled sweets sector was worth £183m in 2009 and accounts for 15% of the confectionery market, according to Mintel.
Tesco will be the first retailer to stock the range in June to coincide with the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
The range comprises: Traditional orange and lemon barley boiled sweets, Classic Fruits hard boiled sweets reflecting the squash range and a Tropical mix of boiled sweets.
Britvic licensed the Robinsons brand to confectionery manufacturer Monty Bojangles.
The Monty Bojangles own-brand range of traditional natural sweets launched in Waitrose in 2009.
Earlier this year, Britvic warned of a “rapid and unprecedented” surge in commodity and raw material costs that will have a negative impact on its 2011 profits.
In Britvic’s last trading update, its first quarter revenue was up 20% to £288.2m on the previous year.