The National Convenience Show, held earlier this month in Birmingham, seemed busier than ever this year, with part of its appeal doubtless the number of stands from suppliers showcasing their latest products - and. of course, offering free samples.
One of the most popular categories at the show - as always - was confectionery, with rows and rows of colourful stands practically heaving with products for visitors to sample, and for retailers to place orders for.
Below is just a selection of some of the more wacky or interesting lines we saw debut at the show…
The Sunshine Snacks stand was typical of the broad range of colours and formats for confectionery seen at the NCS this year. It offered bagged ranges (including the unforgettable Neon Worms and Sour Fish packs), Freeze Blast sweets, Sunshine Stix in eight flavours and the indulgent Cup range, as well as a selection of crisps and snacks for those with less of a sweet tooth.
Fish cropped up again on the Monmore Group ’s stand, courtesy of its Funky Fish 150g packs. Other creatures on the stand getting the confectionery treatment included meerkats and the excellently named Dino Sours, in the same pack sizes.
Perhaps hoping to tie-in with the Artemis II moon mission happening at the same time as NCS 26, supplier American Fizz offered something fizzy in the form of its Cosmic Dust popping candy, available in ten flavours. The packs were described as ideal for “wannabe astronauts and seasoned space travellers” alike.
Over on the May & Raeburn stand, packs of Fluffy Stuff Candy Floss adorned with unicorns were described as a high-impact impulse confectionery product “designed to drive visibility and incremental sales.” The candy promised the classic melt-in-your-mouth candy floss experience consumers recognise from funfairs.
Finally, the Fruitypop Family stand offered something a little unexpected with its jellies range. We particularly liked the Vimto pots, available in packs of four, which were described by the supplier as ideal for the convenience sector. Other flavours in the ready-to-eat range included Pinch of Nom and Fruit Smoothie pouches.
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