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Loughborough-based IB group – which includes Hancocks and Bonds of London – has rebranded as World of Sweets.

Management decided the time was right for a new identity as it grows sales at home and abroad.

The business is a leading distributor, importer, and wholesaler of sweets, supplying thousands of customers across all retail channels.

A spokesman said it wanted to unify the various company-owned brands, partner brands – such as Pez, Vimto, Nerds, Warheads, Red Vines and Tootsie – and business units it has under a single name that will help encompass its core strengths and values.

The spokesman said: “Distribution abilities range from e-commerce sites serving 55,000 customers per week to Hancocks wholesale stores with over 22,000 customers, field sales and a direct to store team covering 36,000 independent customers and a national accounts team covering all º£½ÇÊÓƵ sales channels.

“Partner brands are also able to tap into bespoke product development capabilities from the World of Sweets team, allowing them to work with global innovation experts to create exciting new favourites that are sure to make an impact in the confectionery market.”

He said partnerships with more than 350 suppliers worldwide and an in-house development and buying team meant new sweets could be quickly brought to market.

Latest accounts for IB Group Ltd, which cover 2020, showed sales or £152.4 million, slightly down on 2019, and a loss before tax of £8.7 million.