Confectionery giant Perfetti Van Melle brands Fruit-tella Curiosities and Mentos Pure Fresh Gum have been awarded Product of the Year for 2024.

The accolade, which is awarded based on the UK’s largest consumer survery of product innovation, is the sweet manufacturer’s second consecutive Product of the Year award, after Mentos Fanta took the title in 2023.

Perfetti Van Melle launched Fruit-tella Curiosities last year and has since expanded the range to a total of four high-in-fat salt and sugar (HFSS) compliant products.

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Alongside the prestigious product accolade, Perfetti Van Melle also won ‘Campaign of the Year’.

Perfetti Van Melle marketing and trade director Mark Roberts said: “Innovation is always at the heart of what we do, and these accolades reaffirm our commitment to pushing the boundaries of confectionery, and creating sweet treats that resonate with consumers – whether that’s inspiring the nation to say Yes To Fresh with Mentos or igniting the curiosity of families with delicious Fruit-tella Curiosities jellies”.

Fruitella senior brand manager Lauren Potter added: “We launched Fruit-tella Curiosities last year, on a mission to support parents who are searching for a high-quality, all-natural treat for the family.

“Now, with strengthened market presence and increased consumer visibility, we are perfectly poised to expand the portfolio even further and introduce new products to the market – this is only the start.”