The movie production company previously awarded Bon Bon Buddies licenses to create a range of Minions confectionery products, including Minions Surprize Qube that sold over 2.2 million units in its first year, according to managing director of Bon Bon Buddies Justin Thomas.
Bon Bon Buddies was created 23 years ago by a husband-and-wife team, Chris and Pauline Howarth, to lead Europe’s character branded and licensed confectionery market. Now, the company is selling its products across Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and the US.
The licensed candy company also creates its own confectionery ranges in addition to licensed products, such as Brain Blasterz sour candy.
The Secret Life of Pets-themed confectionery
Licensing has always been a core part of Bon Bon Buddies’ business, said Thomas, and it accounts for 80% of the company’s operations.
The new licensed confectionery range includes Surprise Eggs (10 gram, SRP $1.29), a six-pack of chocolate bars (72 gram in total, SRP $1.45), individual chocolate bars (100 gram, SRP $1.45) and Crispy Choc Mini Tins (30 gram with collectable embossed tin, SRP $1.45).
All those themed products are available in all distribution channels across the UK, such as Wilkinson’s. Bon Bon Buddies is also going to sell the new range to other European countries, the Middle East and China soon.
Five-year business growth plan
Bon Bon Buddies initiated a five-year plan two years ago to double the size of its business with annual, quarterly and monthly targets, “all of which are currently on track,” according to the company.
“Our plan is to ensure we continually learn en route and identify all key opportunities to ensure the business continues to grow in new markets, such as China,” Thomas said.
From the innovation perspective, Bon Bon Buddies also invested in 3D printing technology last year to create new candy products, he added.
“This has also aided our partnership with key licensors, as we are able to share ideas and obtain approvals quicker and more efficiently.”
Bon Bon Buddies’ licensed business generated revenue of nearly £40 m ($58 m) in 2015, according to Thomas. This year, the company has hit record sales of over £44 m ($64m) to date, and it is expected to achieve its five-year plan.