Nestlé Confectionery says it is once again helping convenience retailers make the most of the incremental sales and profit opportunities available for Easter.

The company’s UK trade communications manager Graham Walker said: "Easter is a key season for confectionery. It accounts for over 30% of seasonal value sales and, what’s more, it’s growing."

He said the biggest area of growth is in products for immediate consumption where, according to IRI data, sales were up 60% last Easter. The novelty element of these products has proven hugely popular with consumers, resulting in growth of 452% since 2009 (IRI) as Easter shoppers now buy more seasonal impulse packs, more often and spend more on them in comparison to filled eggs.

New to Nestlé’s novelty range for Easter 2013 is the Milkybar bunny the only white chocolate seasonal impulse offering on the market. Rrp is 65p. Also available is the Smarties Little Choc Chick (rrp 65p) which is filled with mini Smarties. Then there’s the Aero milk chocolate lamb, again with a rrp of 65p.

For more information on spring confectionery, see the feature on page 41.

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www.nestle.co.uk