Candyking, the former pick’n’mix supplier to Woolworths, has secured listings at 1,400 new stores in the past year, including Tesco and The Co-operative Group.

The company is now selling sweets into 2,200 outlets, up from 800 at the start of 2009. MD Graham Richardson said much of the growth had come from the grocery sector, which accounts for nearly 30% of its business volume, compared to 8% a year ago.

Candyking first hit Tesco last February and The Co-op six months ago. It has also significantly upped its presence in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

“Following the demise of Woolworths, which accounted for 40% of our volumes, supermarkets were quick to realise that the pick’n’mix opportunity had just got a lot bigger,” said Richardson. “We look set to grow 10% to about £25m by the end of this fiscal year and have growth forecasts in the region of 30% next year.”

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