Magnum has unveiled an array of innovations to welcome in the new year and accelerate growth of the ice cream category. Capitalising on treat occasions, Magnum Double Starchaser and Sunlover are set to break ice cream records with a superior innovation including deliciously decadent flavours and eye-catching packaging. The brand is also expanding its mini and vegan ranges, with Magnum Mini Double Caramel Collection and Magnum Vegan Raspberry Swirl available now.
Ice cream sales grew strongly during the Covid pandemic with consistent year-on-year growth since, with sales up 22 per cent in 2022 versus 2019. There are currently 2.3 billion ice cream occasions in the UK, with Unilever targeting a bigger share of the snacks and dessert sector in 2023 with these products.
“Insight led innovation is vitally important to the ice cream category, creating a sense of excitement for shoppers and ensuring it remains relevant to evolving consumer trends and flavour profiles," said Jennifer Dyne, Head of Ice-Cream UK & Ireland, Unilever.
“Magnum remains the UK’s number one ice cream brand, because it continues to deliver superior products with high quality ingredients and unique, indulgent flavours. We are so excited to bring Magnum Double Starchaser and Sunlover to market this season – both products are truly outstanding and completely unique – exactly what you would expect from a category-leading brand like Magnum.
“In addition to this, we will continue to expand our vegan and our minis range with exciting new flavours. In order to create sustainable category growth, we need to continue to expand and deliver across formats and consumer needs – our vegan and mini ranges do just that by offering Magnum indulgence to new users and occasions. We’re confident that this triple line-up of new products will help retailers have a successful year in ice cream.”
Magnum Double Starchaser and Sunlover
Ice cream occasions have long evolved from being an occasional treat in the summer. Nowadays, more shoppers are choosing ice cream for an indulgent evening treat on the sofa. In fact, 40 per cent of ice cream is consumed in the day compared with 60 per cent in the evenings, which was the leading insight for the new Magnum Double flavours, with two indulgent varieties launched to transport people to a balmy summer’s day or a decadent evening treat.
Magnum Double Sunlover provides a refreshing treat for a hot summer’s day with coconut ice cream, paired with a tangy mango and passionfruit ice cream swirl. With a sumptuous layer of mango and passionfruit sauce, Magnum Double Sunlover is encased in delicious white cracking chocolate combined with crispy coconut pieces. Magnum Double Starchaser is perfect for the ultimate summer evening dessert, featuring a double swirled popcorn flavour ice cream and caramel ice cream, encased in a gooey caramel sauce, and coated in delicious cracking milk chocolate with crunchy caramelised corn pieces.
Magnum is backing the launch with its biggest marketing campaign to date kicking off in April and live throughout the key summer months, with the campaign tagline ‘Pleasure is always on’. This also features in-store activity and POS materials. Both editions will be available in multiple formats: sticks, minis and tubs.
Magnum Mini Caramel Collection
New for 2023, the Mini Double Caramel Multipack Collection pairs Magnum’s most successful NPD and fan favourite, Gold Caramel Billionaire, with their first-ever Caramel Almond product, the ultimate caramel treat for spontaneous mini moments of pleasure. The Mini Caramel Almond flavour offers velvety vanilla ice cream and gooey salted caramel sauce, encased in Magnum’s iconic classic cracking chocolate with crunchy caramelized almond inclusions.
Magnum Minis had a strong 2022 and is growing 8.3 per cent faster than the category. Its success has helped to extend the ‘ice cream season’ by bringing in sales during the shoulder months of March and October. With a shift in market dynamics towards minification amongst consumers, tied into the demand for more permissible snacking indulgence, Magnum Minis captured this growth space in the category.
To maximise this opportunity, Magnum Minis has refreshed its packaging for 2023, emphasising the premium credentials of the brand, supporting Minis stand-out on shelf, as well as including a new front of pack calorie call out.
“More shoppers are prioritizing health, so are looking for smaller versions of their favourite treats to control portions and calorie intake," said Dyne. "Magnum Minis are perfectly placed to meet these needs as people can indulge without the guilt, and it is why we’re investing in the brand and reinvigorating the pack designs.”
Magnum Vegan Raspberry Swirl
Launching in time for Veganuary but tapping into the increasing all-year-round demand for sweet plant-based options, Magnum is expanding its portfolio with the Vegan Raspberry Swirl. Containing a velvety raspberry ice cream with swirls of tangy raspberry sauce, dipped in signature cracking Magnum Vegan chocolate, Magnum Vegan Raspberry Swirl offers 100 per cent plant-based indulgence.
Utilising Magnum’s iconic packaging with additional plant-based cues, Unilever expect the product to support sales of its growing Magnum Vegan collection, which is growing 5.2 per cent ahead of the category.
The extension of the Magnum Vegan portfolio is the latest move as part of Unilever’s wider global Future Foods ambition launched globally with two key objectives: to help people transition towards healthier diets and work towards reducing the environmental impact of the global food chain. The ambition includes an annual global sales target of €1 billion from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.
"We’re continuing to expand our plant-based range to give more consumers the choice to go vegan without compromising the indulgence they want from ice-cream,” Dyne concluded.
The final stages of the Emirates FA Cup are approaching and Carling is building excitement with the launch of an all-new on-pack promotion, trivia competition and marketing campaign.
From 23 March until 30 June 2025, adults can scan QR codes on promotional multipacks of Carling and enter the code displayed on the inside of the sleeve alongside their details for the chance to win*.
The prizes up for grabs include four seats in the stands at Wembley Stadium for the Emirates FA Cup final and a pre-match Wembley Stadium tour, which includes a one-night stay at a four-star Wembley hotel and travel allowance, as well as Deliveroo vouchers for secondary draw winners.
New this year, shoppers that enter the on-pack promotion will have a second chance to win a one of ten, £20 gift vouchers to spend at selected retailers if they correctly answer an Emirates FA Cup-themed trivia question*.
The promotion is designed to help retailers build up excitement amongst football fans and will run across 4x440ml, 10x440ml, and 18x440ml packs. Priced-marked 4x440ml, and 10x440ml packs will also be available.
In past years, Carling’s on-pack promotions have helped drive sales for retailers, increasing value sales of Carling by 60.8 per cent and 30.6 per cent during promotional periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
“Carling is proud to support football at every level – that’s why we’re the lager brand consumers most commonly associate with the beautiful game,” said Lee Willett, Carling Brand Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company.
“This campaign is about celebrating Carling’s football heritage and the history of the world’s oldest national football tournament. In bringing together clubs from across the football pyramid, the Emirates FA Cup creates truly unique sporting moments, and the final stages present a massive opportunity for our customers to drive sales.”
The beer brand, which has been a partner of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup since 2023, will also be sponsoring talkSPORT’s Emirates FA Cup and UEFA Nations League coverage, with Carling branding featuring prominently on match previews and reviews on talkSPORT Drive.
Carling has moved to strengthen its ties to football in recent years through sponsorship deals with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and a host of top clubs including Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Carling is also supporting local football clubs up and down the country through its ongoing Grassroots Goals initiative, in partnership with Umbro, by giving them the opportunity to win prizes including new team kits throughout the course of the year.
*T&Cs: 18+, UK and ROI only (tie-break question for ROI). Scan the QR code on your promotional pack or go to www.carlingpromotions.com/winFAtickets and enter the unique 8-digit code found inside your pack to be entered into the promotion. Main Prize Draw: Prizes: 4x tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final including a pre-match Wembley stadium tour, on Saturday 17th May 2025 (5x). Each prize includes a 1-night stay at a 4* Wembley hotel (2x twin rooms) and up to £250 travel allowance per winning entrant. Prizes limited to 1 per household. 1 entry per person per day. Entry closes 11:59pm 01/05/2025. Trivia Question Prize Draw: Prizes: £20 / €25 Grocery eGift cards (10x). All entrants who correctly answer a trivia question will be entered into the draw. Wrap Up Draw: Prizes: £50 Deliveroo takeaway vouchers (100x). Trivia and Wrap Up Draws close 11:59pm 30/06/2025. Non-main prize draw winners will automatically be entered into the wrap up draw. Full T&Cs at www.carling.com/terms.
Cadburyhas announced the launch of its latest innovation: Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff, combining the best of smooth, creamy, Cadbury Dairy Milk with the much-loved crunch and unique taste of Lotus Biscoff’s biscuits.
The partnership between two iconic brands looks to unite their respective classic tastes and textures into one product- proving that both is best. The launch looks to tap into consumer interest in new flavours and textures and drive cross-brand excitement to help drive incremental growth. To support retailers in this launch, the campaign will be boosted by a range of eye-catching co-branded POS materials, showcasing the coming together of Cadbury and Biscoff’s branding with the iconic purple synonymous with the Cadbury brand, alongside the bold red Biscoff branding.
“We are delighted to be partnering Cadbury Dairy Milk with the much-loved flavours and textures of Lotus Biscoff,” said Connor Gould, Brand Manager, Cadbury Dairy Milk. “Combining two delicious favourites is a great way to give consumers the best of both, creating the perfect pairing for them to enjoy the smooth, creaminess of Cadbury Dairy Milk mixed with the classic crunch and unique flavour of Biscoff that consumers love. As a result, the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff is sure to utilise consumer demand for unique flavours to help drive category growth.”
The much-anticipated new tablet will be available from early March, in both 105g non-PMP, and 95g PMP and non-PMP formats, giving consumers this perfect pairing in a variety of formats.
The partnership will be supported with an ATL campaign across social, influencer and seasonal content to ensure that Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff is front of mind for consumers throughout the year.
For more ranging and merchandising advice and to request Point of Sale retailers can visit www.snackdisplay.co.uk
Four Loko, the bold and unconventional RTD brand, has unveiled its latest flavour, Camo Mango.
This new variant of the premium vodka-based RTD combines the refreshing sweetness of ripe mango in a camo-themed can.
“Designed to appeal to consumers seeking more than just a drink, it’s a statement of individuality,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko distributor, Red Star Brands. “With its dynamic packaging and daring flavour, Camo Mango reinforces Four Loko’s commitment to delivering disruptive, category-defining RTD experiences.”
To support the launch of Four Loko Camo Mango, a nationwide campaign will feature influencer collaborations, sampling events and exclusive merchandise drops. The campaign will invite consumers to share their boldest Four Loko moments via user-generated content featuring the hashtags #CamoLoko and #PartyInACan, bringing to life the brand’s authentic, bold positioning while driving deeper connections through social engagement.
The striking green, black and orange camouflage-style can underpins Camo Mango’s “Stay Hidden, Stay Bold” theme and has been designed to deliver high on-shelf visibility to help maximise sales and encourage shoppers to the fixture.
“The fact that premium priced RTDs have grown faster than any other segment in the last two years means that there are some great opportunities out there for retailers to capitalise on this popularity,” added McIlroy.
Camo Mango (8.4 per cent ABV) will be available from March in 440ml cans, RSP £3.49, and like the rest of the Four Loko range, is caffeine-free. Its launch brings the total range available to 10 flavours; other variants include Pink Melon, Dark Berry Burst, White, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical, Blue, Fruit Punch, Gold and Tutti Frutti (all 8.4 per cent ABV).
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Domestos Bleach Foam is the fifth product to join the Power Foam range
Leading toilet and bleach brand Domestos has expanded its successful, multi-year innovation Power Foam range with the launch of Domestos Bleach Foam.
This is the first product in the range to contain bleach and targets those consumers looking for a superior bleach clean for the toilet and bathroom.
Domestos Bleach Foam combines the performance of Domestos bleach with Power Foam’s unique and convenient upside-down 360-degree spray trigger technology to kill germs in the hardest-to-reach places.
The new variant delivers effective stain removal and unrivalled whitening, leaving bathroom surfaces whiter and shinier for longer. The thick foam allows the product to cover a larger surface area, providing an even more efficient cleaning experience when compared to liquid bleach alternatives, where one Domestos Bleach Foam bottle lasts as long as two Domestos Thick Bleach bottles.
The launch is supported with a strong media investment, including a TV campaign from May, as well as a high shopper investment to drive visibility in store. In addition, Domestos will continue investing in retailer e-commerce channels to ensure the Power Foam range remains unmissable online.
“Domestos Power Foam is our most disruptive innovation in a decade and now we are expanding our range to meet the needs of consumers looking for a superior bleach clean. We know that our consumers find the upside-down bottle easy to use allowing them to reach those hard-to-reach places in the bathroom like under the toilet rim, under sinks and behind taps,” said Sophie Brooke-Jones, Unilever Home Care UK & Ireland home & hygiene lead and Home Care net revenue management lead.
“Domestos has the highest brand awareness in this segment and is the signpost brand for the toilet and bleach category. The Power Foam range has built on the success of the brand by bringing innovation to market that delivers a true point of difference when it comes to effective household cleaning and hygiene, helping retailers to drive incremental sales in this category and also attract new shoppers.”
The launch continues to build on of Domestos’ multi-year innovation support, which also sees the brand’s three core Power Foam variants - Arctic Fresh, Citrus Blast and Floral Burst – reformulated to offer an improved foam with more effective cleaning power. The portfolio is also receiving updated, premium packaging with enhanced messaging to better guide shoppers in selecting the right product for their needs.
Since its launch in 2022, the Domestos Power Foam range has played a huge part in growing the category, with 5.7 million consumers purchasing the range since launch.
Leading cake brand Mr Kipling has announced the launch of a new limited-edition Simnel Slices just in time for Easter.
Expanding the season beyond classic chocolate treats, Mr Kipling is bringing a fruity Easter flavour onto shelves, expanding retailers’ seasonal cake ranges this year.
Simnel is the third most popular cake flavour at Easter, growing 7.4 per cent versus 2023 [WPO, 52w/e 14.04.24]. Often found across Easter in larger sharing cakes, the new Mr Kipling slices look to meet the growing demand for this flavour in a smaller convenient format, leveraging Mr Kipling’s number one cake format.
Whilst Simnel is highly relevant to the season, the brand said there is an untapped opportunity in a smaller slices format. New Simnel slices encapsulate a fluffy and moist sponge with succulent dried fruit, sandwiched with a moist marzipan flavour filling and topped with soft marzipan flavour icing.
“Mr Kipling is renowned for its iconic seasonal products, and Easter remains highly important for attracting and driving penetration of newer, lighter buyers,” Naomi Shooman, global marketing director for sweet treats at Premier Foods, commented.
“Mr Kipling brought in the most new shoppers of any Easter cake range in 2024. With this latest launch we hope to drive even more footfall into the aisle this Easter, engaging shoppers with seasonally relevant and fun flavour twists to enjoy across the season, helping retailers make the most of the opportunity on offer.”
Mr Kipling Simnel Slices will be launching alongside returning favourites, with limited-edition sweet treats across the Premier Foods portfolio from Mr Kipling and Cadbury Cakes. Shoppers can expect to see chocolate favourites such as Cadbury Mini Eggs Nest Cakes and Cadbury Crème Egg Cake Bars back in stores, as well as a host of non-chocolate, sweet treats such as Mr Kipling Lemon & Raspberry Mini Batts and Mr Kipling Vanilla ‘Egg’ French Fancies.