BRAND NEWS Wild Thingz arrives at whole foods market


Wild Thingz, the fast-rising confectionery brand, has officially launched into Whole Foods Market stores nationwide from 13th May, marking its latest major retail milestone following successful listings in Ocado and Co-op. The launch follows a standout sampling


activation in Kensington over the Bank Holiday weekend, where the brand gave away 5,000 packs to high footfall crowds. The event introduced thousands of new consumers to Wild Thingz ahead of its in-store debut, building strong local awareness and early demand. On the sampling success, founder Fliss Newland says: “The sampling went so well. Seeing that level of excitement from kids in person is exactly why we do this. That real-world feedback is invaluable for us as a growing brand.”


The Whole Foods Market listing represents a


natural next step for Wild Thingz, aligning the brand with a retailer known for its commitment to quality, transparency and better-for-you products. The rollout includes all existing stores, as well as six new London locations opening in mid-June, supported by further in- store sampling throughout the month. Wild Thingz gummies contain half the sugar of traditional sweets, are 100% organic and


Hotel Chocolat expands all-new boxed selections


plant-based, and free from artificial colours, flavours and additives. They have quickly gained traction among parents seeking alternatives to conventional confectionery without removing the joy of treats altogether. Research conducted by Wild Thingz with YouGov found that 64% of parents feel hesitant about purchasing sweets due to sugar and additive concerns, a challenge Wild Thingz was created to solve. Founded by former Mondelez


confectionery expert Fliss Newland, the brand combines industry expertise with a fresh, modern approach to product development. Its playful range – from Cherry Spiders to Cola Snails – delivers on both taste and experience, making it a standout in a traditionally artificial-heavy category.


Mars Wrigley launches Skittles® Flavour Flip


Mars Wrigley is strengthening its fruity confectionery line-up with the launch of Skittles® Flavour Flip – hitting shelves nationwide from June 2026. The range features


Pouch (136g) and Treat (109g) bags to recruit younger adult shoppers with a shareworthy, multi- sensory taste experience. Each pack contains a classic round Skittles® lentil with 2 in 1 flavour and colour combinations in every bite. There are five sweet and sour varieties to discover: Strawberry


Following the recent launch of the ALL-NEW Boxed Selections, Hotel Chocolat is bringing a summer flavour selection in the format of a 9 and 18-piece. This expansion comes


as fresh research


highlights consumers are calling for chocolate during the summer season – with 95% agreeing they are lovers of chocolate all-year round whatever the weather¹. The Summer Desserts Selections


Boxed with


are filled patisserie-inspired


selectors including Passionfruit Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue and Orange Cheesecake to bring


8 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MAY 2026


summer to life through cacao. The Summer 2026 range also


features Ice Cream Swirls and Cocktails to Chill that reimagine chocolate so it can be enjoyed as part of every summer moment from family garden get-togethers to picnics in the park. Available online now, the


Summer 2026 range will be available in all UK stores from Monday 18th May with prices starting at £2.95. Seasonal Sundaes and Ice Cream of the Gods – infused with cacao – are also available at the Velvetiser Cafes.


& Watermelon, Lemon & Raspberry, Pomegranate & Apple, Lime & Cherry and Mandarin & Pineapple – with a fruity crisp shell and contrasting soft chewy centre - designed to ‘flip’ tastebuds. As a £63m brand leader in the chewy category, Skittles®


Flavour Flip is primed to grow the fruity confectionery segment – valued at £1.7bn – with data showing 53% of UK consumers seek unusual flavours to enhance the moment. A further 74% of those buying limited-edition flavours are spontaneous shoppers, set to drive up impulse sales alongside pre-planned purchases. With 55% of Skittles® consumption moments containing four


or more people, shareability is the key driver across audience groups: exploration seekers age 16-34 looking for immediate indulgence with friends on-the-go, and teen-influenced households who opt for at-home sharing experiences. To support the launch, Skittles® is rolling out a summer


campaign: ‘Flip Your Tastebuds Inside Out’ – with omni-channel touchpoints for strong awareness and trial.


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