The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Better-for-you confectionery brand Wild Thingz is expanding its UK retail footprint with two new gummy flavour collections.

The new Berry Mix and Tropical Mix Share Bags are designed for sharing and on-the-go snacking, combining fruit flavours with the brand’s signature bug-shaped gummies.

The products contain half the sugar of leading sweet brands, according to Wild Thingz, and are made without artificial ingredients or gelatine.

The new Tropical Mix features Mango Spiders, Peach Vees, Orange Snails and Pineapple Frogs, while Berry Mix includes Blueberry Vees, Strawberry Butterflies, Raspberry Wasps and Blackcurrant Ladybirds.

The new products will be available through WHSmith Travel locations including airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, major railway stations including London Euston, King’s Cross and Birmingham New Street, as well as the Eurotunnel and hospitals across the UK.

The brand is also introducing a lower, more competitive price point, with the new 60g Share Bags carrying an RRP of £2.00. The products will be available through Ocado from 24 July.

Founded in 2024 by former Mondelēz marketer Fliss Newland, Wild Thingz has positioned itself around lower-sugar confectionery made with natural flavours and plant-based ingredients.

“We wanted to create gummies that deliver big, juicy fruit flavours while keeping everything families already love about Wild Thingz – half the sugar, natural ingredients and plenty of fun,” said Newland.

“With new share bags, a new multipack and our expanding retail footprint, we're making it even easier for more families to discover the brand.”

The expansion will continue in August with the launch of a Berry Mix Multipack exclusively through Ocado. Priced at £3.00, the multipack contains five individually portioned packs aimed at family occasions and on-the-go consumption, including days out, parties and summer activities.