Big Bear Confectionery has kicked off plans to build its branded business with the launch of a free-from sweets range under its Fox’s brand.
Rolling out to WH Smith from this week - and scheduled to hit retailers including B&M Bargains and 99p Stores - the Fox’s Candy Bear range comprises 200g bags of gummy sweets in six Arctic-themed shapes (all rsp: £1).
The range is produced at one of the Czech factories taken on by Big Bear owner Raisio when it acquired the Candy Plus business in 2012.
“We had been looking to utilise that capability and wanted to use the comfort and familiarity of Fox’s,” said Big Bear trade marketing head Ross Stanley, adding the business was looking to grow its brands through NPD. “We have a good solid business that is very strong in private label, and we have strong brands we want to grow.”
In addition to Fox’s Glacier, Big Bear also produces the Paynes Poppets, XXX Mints and Just Brazils brands.
The new Fox’s Candy Bear lines include Shivering Sharks, Polar Bears and Snowy Seals, and packs carry a cartoon-character version of the bear previously used in TV ads for Fox’s Glacier Mints. The sweets are made with fruit juice, contain no artificial colours or flavours and are gluten free.
“There is a very limited choice in confectionery for those with coeliac disease and those following a gluten-free diet,” said Stanley, adding the supplier had worked with charity Coeliac UK to gain their Crossed Grain symbol gluten-free certification.
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