The producer of some of the UK’s most patriotically packaged confectionery has appointed Macintyre Scott Xtra (MSX) as its travel retail distribution partner.
Churchill’s Confectionery, well-known for its biscuits and sweets packaged in premium-quality embossed tins shaped like London landmarks, has signed MSX on an 18-month contract.
The deal will open up a completely new route to market for the confectionery firm and allow it to take advantage of MSX’s ever-growing client base, which includes Brittany Ferries, P&O, Cunard and Princess Cruises.
Nicola Ridges-Jones, managing director of MSX, said: “Churchill’s Confectionery products fit perfectly into our portfolio. The unique packaging has real decorative value, serving not only as confectionery but also as a gift. Our unrivalled knowledge of the travel retail market tells us retailers are increasingly looking for products with this quality, offering shoppers something different.”
Allan Bodnitz, managing director from Churchill’s Confectionery, added: “MSX not only ticked the ‘must have’ boxes for us in terms of speed, flexibility and providing good service, but it impressed us with the way it deeply understands the industry. The fact that MSX is able to predict trends and market needs will help us to take advantage of sales opportunities.”
Under the 18-month contract, MSX will distribute a plethora of Churchill’s Confectionery’s products, including the popular ‘souvenir’ range, which features biscuits and sweets encased in decorative tins shaped like London buses, traditional telephone boxes and Big Ben. Other ranges hitting the road courtesy of MSX’s transport fleet include biscuits, fudges and sweets in art deco, floral and quintessentially British tins. Some of the tins double up as money boxes and fridge magnets, adding to their gift value.
As part of the deal, MSX will store and manage a quantity of the products at its bonded warehouse. It will then be responsible for picking and packing to order, before delivering the goods to their destination on time.
With many of the final destinations being cruise ships and ferries, getting the products to their destination on time will be even more important for MSX, because it is effectively heading for ‘moving targets’.
Nicola Ridges-Jones says: “Having supplied to cruise liners, ferries and even cargo ships for nearly 40 years, it’s something that comes naturally to us and we’re proud to report that 100 per cent of our deliveries reach their destination on time.”
Photo: One of Churchill's Confectionery's trademark products
