Bonds veggie sweets

Confectionery supplier Bonds is aiming to tap growing demand for vegetarian sweets with the launch of four new products.

It is claiming an industry first by rolling out meat-free versions of two products it describes a ‘retro classics’ - sherbet Flying Saucers (rsp: 59p/25g), and individually wrapped Assorted Toffee Whirls in vanilla, strawberry and banana flavours (rsp: £1/150g).

Bonds is also launching two festive-themed vegetarian confectionery items: Bonds Fun Boxes Fudge Reindeer comprising fudge pieces in a reindeer-themed gift box (rsp: £1.50/150g); and Bonds Fun Boxes Bah Humbugs in a Santa-shaped gift box (rsp: £1.50/170g).

All of the new products have been certified by the Vegetarian Society’s Seeding Symbol.

“Our vegetarian range has always been well received and by diversifying our meat-free offering we’re continuing to provide retailers with a varied range that is seasonally relevant and simple to merchandise,” said Bonds Confectionery MD Philip Courtenay-Luck, adding there were more than a million vegetarians in the UK.

“By stocking vegetarian versions of traditional favourites, retailers are able to appeal to a wider audience and capitalise on the growing number of consumers following a meat-free diet, while still retaining their usual customer base,” he said.