With the health agenda showing no signs of slowing down, independents can tap into the trend by offering shoppers more lower- and no-sugar confectionery, supplier Perfetti Van Melle has advised.

Matthew Navier, brand manager at Fruittella, said 92% of consumers are now consciously buying reduced-sugar products across all categories, and its new sugar-free Fruittella Fruit Drops is designed to help retailers cater to this market.

“Stocking a range of lower- and no-sugar confectionery options can drive sales for retailers by 73% on average. Fruittella hopes to help retailers grow confectionery sales with our first ever hard-boiled variant,” he added.