Springvale Foods' Category Guide: Confectionery

Hit the sweet spot and achieve confectionery success catering to the latest consumer trends & offering  a diverse range of products to cater all consumer preferences!

Maximise your Confectionery category to boost your sales!

Confectionery isn't just about satisfying sweet cravings—it's a thriving sector that continues to evolve with consumer preferences & market trends. Despite the rise in health consciousness, sweets & chocolates remain popular staples in our lives & a key part of retailers' sales strategies.

Indulgence takes centre stage as consumers seek moments of bliss in their busy lives, whether indulging alone or sharing with loved ones. Enhanced flavours & seasonal variations drive innovation, enticing consumers with new taste experiences.

While the sector remains rooted in enjoyment and taste, there's now a rising interest in healthier choices and clear labelling. Confectionery brands are responding to this demand by providing options that are both flavourful and enjoyable, showcasing their commitment to meeting the changing dietary preferences of consumers.

In this context, two of our exclusive brands offer unique qualities that will elevate your confectionery range.

Danny's Chocolates, available only through Springvale Foods, offer not just delicious treats but also a commitment to sustainability and fun. With a range of chocolate bars, including 'better for you' options for gluten-free and free-from diets, Danny's caters to every palate.

For a modern twist on traditional English confectionery, our exclusive partnership with Ultimate English Confectioners is perfect. Their melt-in-the-mouth fudges, mallows, and honeycomb boast timeless recipes with a contemporary flair, making them ideal for gifting or self-indulgence.

TRIVIA

Over two-fifths of UK consumers agree that eating sweets is a budget-friendly way to boost your mood!

Confectionery remains resilient during economic downturns for two main reasons: it's an affordable indulgence, and it's a mood booster.

Consumers typically want to recharge and reward themselves, as well as connect with others and celebrate achievements with confectionery. This helps explain why sweet sales did well in 2022, despite worries about the high cost of living and health concerns.

Consumer Trends

1. Confectionery is the 4th largest category in retail stores and the most impulsive.

Confectionery is a key category for any independent store as it's purchased on many different shopping missions, particularly on impulse. The market for confectionery is expected to grow by 3.31% between 2024 and 2028.

2. Confectionery is one of our top five fastest growing categories in our business!

The category shows significant growth across department stores, farm shops, delis, garage forecourts, garden centres, & convenience stores. It’s our second highest-selling category in our Christmas selection.

3. Indulgence, sharing, and gifting drive sales in confectionery.

Confectionery holds 40% of the treating & snacking market in the UK. It is bought for self-indulgence as well as for sharing moments with family and friends. It also serves as a popular gift choice for different festive occasions like Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Halloween, presenting great opportunities for retailers.

4. Innovative & traditional flavours in confectionery remain popular.

Consumers are showing a growing interest in exploring adventurous flavours. While unique & unfamiliar tastes are gaining popularity, traditional & comforting flavours like Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut, & Dark Chocolate will remain favourites among consumers.

5. Secondary sitings can significantly increase confectionery basket spending.

80% value uplift seen on singles when strategically placed alongside hot beverage machines, effectively leveraging the 'Snack To Go' moment.

6. Consumers are seeking ethical & sustainable brands.

They express their values & worldview through their choices & prefer brands that reflect these principles. There's a growing interest among consumers in understanding the carbon footprint of brands. This underscores the importance of the confectionery market actively addressing ethical, environmental, & social concerns through their marketing strategies.

5 Top Tips to Win the Confectionery Category

What to Stock and How?

Confectionery stands out as the most valuable categories in your store and the most impulsive. Dedicating time to planning what to stock and how to organise your ranges can significantly boost your sales figures.

1.    Focus on the best-selling lines.

Prioritise stocking items that consistently sell well. Position your best-sellers in your store’s best-selling location, where shoppers have a central point of view & ensure they always remain in stock.

2.    Offers a range that covers all needs.

Stock up on sharing packs, individual consumption, and luxury gifting solutions, and don’t forget the free from lines for the growing consumer’s desire for healthier, innovative confectionery options.

3.    Focus on the main fixture & secondary displays.

Confectionery items are often impulse buys. Giving every shopper a chance to see confectionery will help drive your sales. 
Place secondary displays in high footfall areas to increase visibility and boost those impulsive sales.
•    near till points
•    end-of-aisle
•    food-to-go areas
•    near beers, wines & spirits

4.    Use manufacturer POS material.

Take advantage of any materials manufacturers offer to help promote their products. POS materials such as CDU, FSDU, and branded displays can draw attention to specific products & encourage purchases.

5.    Keep shelves fully stocked.

Ensure shelves are consistently replenished to avoid out of stocks and disappointing customers. A fully stocked shelf not only improves customer satisfaction but also makes your store look more appealing, leading to more sales.