5 new grocery products: Mentos, Thatchers, Galaxy, Cadbury and Wall’s

19th April 2024

Mentos

Perfetti Van Melle-owned Mentos has launched new pouch bags as part of a tie-up with Fanta.

The two new vegan-friendly products – Mentos Fanta Pouch Bag and Mentos Fruit Mix Pouch Bag – have been designed to bolster the sweet brand’s presence in the confectionery aisle.

The latest innovation follows a twice-extended production run where The Product of the Year award-winning Mentos Fanta has struck popularity among consumers since its launch in 2022.

The new products also build upon the success of the confectionery brand’s recent release – 14 flavour Mentos Discovery.

Mentos brand manager Sarah du Plessis said: “With 63% of sweet consumers looking for a wider range of flavours, and exotic variants having the greatest appeal to sweet eaters, we know that people are looking for new and exciting products to try.

“Younger Gen Z shoppers in particular are an experimental audience looking for innovative options to enjoy with friends. We expect the sharing bags to increase sales penetration amongst this demographic, as well as drive frequency with existing customers.

“This format also allows us to establish ourselves in different positions around the store, helping Mentos reach more people than ever before.”

Thatchers Zero

Thatchers Cider has debuted its top selling alcohol-free cider in a can format for the first time.

Thatchers Zero is to roll out in grocers Asda and Tesco in 4 x 440ml can packs, before launching in other retailers over the summer.

The new can format will join the brewer’s other popular packs, including Thatchers Gold and Thatchers Blood Orange.

Thatchers fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher said: “Thatchers Zero is the first choice for those who don’t want to compromise on taste and enjoyment, delivering on the premium experience that people are looking for.

“With the low/no alcohol category booming, we’re excited to bring Zero into this popular format for the first time; giving customers a breadth of choice and increased value and volume. The innovation reflects the increasingly aspirational nature of the alcohol-free category, with low/no drinks moving from something people are sampling, to being a fridge staple.”

Galaxy Chocolate Caramel Cake

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats has revealed a new Galaxy Chocolate Caramel Cake.

The chocolate sponge cake features pockets of caramel sauce topped with chocolate frosting, chocolate buttons and a caramel drizzle.

The baked confectionery good has launched in Tesco and Sainsbury’s for RSP £4, and is due to roll out to grocery giant Asda by the end of the month.

Mars chocolate drinks and treat general manager Michelle Frost said: “With eight servings, our Galaxy Chocolate Caramel Cake, is perfect for smaller occasions, to share with colleagues and friends or as a family weekend treat.

“Brands continue to play an important role within the category and we believe that the combination of the smooth taste of Galaxy and the ever-popular caramel flavour will appeal to a wide range of customers.”

Non-HFSS Cadbury Brunch

Cadbury has unveiled its latest addition to its range, a duo of non-HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar) Cadbury Brunch Light bars.

The new bars come in flavours Honey and Oat, and Orange and will contain fewer than 100 calories per serving.

The launch builds upon the success of other products in its grocery range, including Cadbury Brunch Oats, which the food brand has named its most popular snack in the Cadbury biscuit range.

Mondelez International Cadbury Brunch brand manager Bethany Wenn said: “This innovation comes to market backed by shopper insight to help it cater to a real category demand from consumers.

“Packed full of wholegrain oats and containing 12% Cadbury milk chocolate in each bar, the Cadbury Brunch Light range is irresistibly delicious – while also being below 100 calories a portion.

“We know that shoppers are on the hunt for lower calorie cereal bar that still taste great, so the delicious new Cadbury Brunch Light bars are certainly set to be a hit in-store. Cadbury Brunch has always carried healthier snacking cues so this latest launch will help retailers unlock more of these health-conscious sales.”

Wall’s Quiche

Sausage roll brand Wall’s has debuted two fresh quiche products as it aims to attract new consumers.

The Cheese & Bacon and Cheese & Onion varieties will be available for RRP £2 across convenience channels, as its brand manager says the innovation is designed to tap into demand for small quiche sizes.

The Compleat Food Group-owned Wall’s Pastry brand director Jason Manley said: “As the nation’s favourite sausage roll brand, we are always looking at how we can use our expertise in pastry and trusted status to deliver exceptional food that adds value in the areas that need it most.

“When we found that there was a demand for smaller quiche sizes, as well as a lack of any strong brand dominance within this space, we knew we had an opportunity to add something fresh to the category. Our delicious new quiches will give shoppers the confidence that what they’re picking up not only tastes great, but also won’t go to waste.

“This is just the start of an exciting year for Wall’s, with more launches in the pipeline that will satisfy more occasions and offer people even more ways to enjoy traditional pastry classics in a format that suits them.”

FMCG Innovation News