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Wholesale Sweets Online

Appleton & Sons is an established wholesale confectionery cash and carry situated in Bow, London. Established since 1945, Appletons is still a family run business that has become one of the UK's leading food cash and carries, specialising in wholesale sweets bulk candy & bulk chocolates. Trading from a large 35,000 square foot warehouse, our range of confectionery has surpassed well over 3,000 candy products and continues to grow on a weekly basis due to our strong buying power. With a knowledgeable team of staff who have a combined total of well over 300+ years within all aspects of the confectionery industry, we're confident that we can help you and your business. As always, if you have any questions or would like some advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch and a member of staff will be happy to help you.

Bulk Buy Sweets & Confectionery

We hope you enjoy browsing the Appletons website, we are one of the leading suppliers of wholesale confectionery to the public.

From occasions such as weddings, parties and mainstream events through to general wholesale supply requirements look no further.

As one of the cheapest wholesale sweet cash and carries, you can be sure we'll have the sweets you are looking for.

Our comprehensive sweet range also includes halal sweetsretro sweetswholesale fudgeretail sweet boxes and lots more.

Recently added products for those looking to buy sweets in bulk are: Nerds CandyParma Violets and the do or dare sweet game Bean Boozled.

Wholesale Sweets Cash & Carry

We ensure that our exciting product ranges grow with the latest confectionery trends so that you'll always be stocking the most popular, profitable wholesale candy items in your sweet shop. With a team of knowledgeable staff and buyers, why not come down to our cash and carry and allow us to show you around and answer any questions you may have. With over 300+ years of combined experience, we're always happy to give advice on which products to stock, the best and most successful way to market and promote your candy, as well as packaging and seasonal gift ideas. At Appletons, we ensure that our standard of wholesale confectionery is second to none which is why we only stock products from manufacturers such as HariboTavenersBarnetts, Barratt and Lutti.

As we are a trade only confectionery cash and carry, please note that we do have a minimum spend of £150 (ex. vat) per order. If you are a retailer already stocking confectionery or are looking to start, please create an account with us today and start shopping with the leading UK confectionery cash and cash with guaranteed low prices. With our everyday low prices, 365 days a year, your business will be sure to profit more with us are your trade partner. Please note that *FREE UK delivery applies to all orders within zones 1-3 that spend £500+ (ex. vat). All of our transport information can be found on our delivery page.

Our vast range of confectionery includes branded wholesale chocolate and sweets, wholesale pick and mix sweets, novelty sweets and seasonal confectionery for occasions such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter and Halloween. Appleton's is one of the largest confectionery wholesalers within the UK and has been for many decades now. Renowned for our huge range of bulk pick and mix sweets, we stock one of the biggest range of bulk candies available in any UK cash and carry. Our aim is and always will be to help you and your business improve sales within confectionery and we have plenty of years under our belt doing this. It's not just UK sweets that we specialise in here at Appleton & Sons, we also stock a huge range of American sweets and candies that have been imported from the USA. Our extensive selection includes lucky charms, Wonka rainbow nerds, golden sponge twinkies and even A&W root beer! Wholesale American sweets have increased in popularity over the past 5 years, with year on year growth in almost triple figures! We are proud stockists of a wide range of American grocery items too with chocolate products and candy items, all from the most popular manufacturers including Mars, Reese's, Hershey and Wonka. One of our most popular sweeties that we currently stock are jelly belly bean boozled, the hit jelly bean candy from the USA that is becoming immensely popular here in the UK. We stock the entire range of Jelly Belly products including spinner gift boxes and other novelty candies.

Appleton sweets stocks one of the largest ranges of wholesale pick "n" mix ranges throughout the whole of the UK. This includes everything from mini love heart rolls to mint fondants that contains that old-fashioned, nostalgic middle filling that is loved by so many all over the world. With such an extensive range, we offer something for everyone, every business and every price point. Pick and mix bags often come in the traditional weight of 3kg, a weight which has been a talking point within the confectionery industry for many decades!

With plenty of holidays and gift seasons throughout the year, we always have a range of gift items that are available all year round. This includes products such as sumptuous chocolate boxes, jelly bean machines, cups and canisters as well as novelty Pez dispensers. The main gifting season is of course when Santa Claus comes to visit at Christmas. The first week of December is when the festive rush begins and sales start to increase. Year in, year out we always carry an extensive range of milk chocolate coins in nets, Turkish delight gift boxes and candy canes in lots of different traditional colours as well as flavours that have been sold all over the globe for many, many years. Our gift categories start to grow around 1-3 months before the actual holiday season to ensure that you and your business have plenty of time to prepare and get a plan in place on how to stock, merchandise and sell the wonderful sweeties that we have to offer.

Exploring the Role of AI, 3D Printing, and Virtual Reality in Confectionery Production

Exploring the Role of AI, 3D Printing, and Virtual Reality in Confectionery Production

The way sweets get made these days is getting a major shake-up, thanks to tech developments like AI, 3D printing, and virtual reality.

Don’t assume these are just buzzwords, though. Honestly, this stuff is changing the confectionery world. From dreaming up new designs to changing how you find and relish your best treats, it’s all enjoying an immense makeover.

But what does this mean for your favourite treats from Appletons? Read on to understand more about the tech that's changing the confectionery world.

Tech meets tradition

You might think AI, 3D printing, and VR are dragging sweet-making away from its roots. At the crux of it, AI, 3D printing and virtual reality blend the best of the old ways with a splash of modern tech. It’s a bit like standing with one foot in the memories of the past and the other stepping forward into the future. Think of it as giving tradition a modern twist, not pushing it out the door.

Take a chocolatier, for example. They know how to get that perfect snap when you break a piece off. But now, a touch of AI can help to nail the temperatures and timings so they’re even more spot on.

It blends the old-school craft of chocolate making with a dash of contemporary tech. Keeping those traditional vibes going strong, but with a modern twist.

Fusing the past and present

There’s something quite remarkable about the sweets from when you were a child, right? Those flavours and textures take you right back. Well, guess what? All this new tech gives you a chance to slip back into those memories but with a bit of a twist. You get to mix the good old days with the modern tech we have now.

Nowadays, factories are getting ultra-smart. They’re introducing robots and some innovative computer tech to make things run more effortlessly. 

Have you heard about Bühler Insights? It’s a bit like having a pair of eyes inside the machine, watching everything in real time. And with intelligent elements like machine learning, machines are getting tuned to work just right.

But AI doesn’t just do its thing. Various problems need various tricks, especially when it comes to making sweets. It’s vital to use the right tool for the job.

Think all this talk about 3D printers and AI is just for the industry giants? Not really - things are changing fast. All these gadgets are becoming more affordable and easier to use. This is mainly down to cloud computing.

That's great news because it means even the smaller folks can get in on the action. They can create impressive confectionery that stands out. Pretty exciting, isn't it? 

Your role as a shopper

Don't forget. It isn’t just about what’s going on in the factories or the tech labs. You have a big part to play in this sweet revolution. You're always on the hunt for something a bit out of the ordinary, aren't you? You're probably forever mixing up a bit of magic, keen to see what new sweet delights you can discover next.

And the best bit? What you think and say counts. Each time you spout about a new flavour or suggest an improvement, you’re helping shape the future of sweets. We're all part of the same team here, working side by side to shape the future of sweets.

Tech with a conscience

All this new tech is pretty exciting, but don't forget to think about the ethics of it all. With things like AI, there's a bit of a worry about how safe our personal information is. Companies must be clear about how they're using their data, whether to spot new trends or tailor stuff just for you. Everything needs to be above board and secure.

Sustainability is the key, don’t you think? Even as technology helps cut down on waste, keep an eye on the energy it uses and how it affects the environment. Find that sweet spot. Make sure you’re solving problems without creating new ones. And do your bit to keep the planet healthy.

Looking forward

So, what's next? Well, the possibilities are infinite, really. We could see more interactive experiences with our sweets, like augmented reality (AR) packaging. This tells the story of how the sweet was made. Or virtual taste tests before you buy.

Want to try AI-invented flavours that are new to the taste buds?

Time to step into an exciting chapter for the sweet world. The line between real and digital is getting pretty blurry. If you have a sweet tooth, the good news is there’ll be a whole raft of new flavours, shapes, and experiences just waiting to be uncovered.

Tomorrow looks sweet

Sweets are about to get a lot better. More interesting flavours and unusual designs are on the horizon - some you’ve never seen before. Plus, you might see more personalised treats. You might give a loved one a box of chocolates shaped like their favourite animal.

Tech makes sweets more sustainable, too, helping cut waste and improving how ingredients are used and kept fresh. 3D printing only makes what you need, reducing excess production. Plus, VR helps diminish travel by providing online tours and meetings.

The takeaway

Really, the main this is sharing a bit of happiness, isn't it? Just adding that little touch of sweetness to make things better. Whether it’s a chocolate bar shaped by the latest 3D printing tech or a distinctive candy flavour dreamt up by AI, the aim's always been the same – to bring a smile to your face.

So, appreciate the blend of technology and tradition that makes it all possible. Next time you pick up a treat from Appleton Sweets, pause to think about the incredible journey it’ll go on in the future, from concept to creation, powered by some of the most innovative technologies out there.

The future of sweets will be sweet. It’ll also be smarter, more sustainable, and more personalised than ever before. That’s something worth savouring, right?

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Candy-Inspired Cocktails and Delicious Drinks Inspired by Classic Sweets

Candy-Inspired Cocktails and Delicious Drinks Inspired by Classic Sweets

Remember the excitement you felt when you were little when Halloween, Christmas or a birthday rolled around? Or just whenever you knew there’d be sweets in the vicinity. These days, it’s getting tough to spot the difference between a dessert and a drink.

Well, now you can recreate the pleasure with a grown-up twist. Sweet-themed cocktails are great if you have a sweet tooth or fancy yourself as a bit of a cocktail-making pro.

Whether you have a girlie night in arranged or want to experiment with your bartending skills, these drinks are sure to bring back those childhood sweet shop vibes into a glass.

And if you’re looking to stock up on candy for your next culinary adventure, take a peek at our Appleton Sweets collection, your go-to source for everything sweet.

Making magic with candy and cocktails

Creating candy-flavoured cocktails involves simply mixing drinks with the fun of sweets. This fusion results in visually stunning drinks, not to mention a carnival of flavours. From the rich, velvetiness of chocolate treats to the zinginess of fizzy candies, these cocktails offer a spectrum of tastes that’ll please every palate.

Old favourites with a new twist

Remember those cocktails that transport you back to your childhood? Where the only currency of any value was the contents of your sweet jar? Favourites like the Rhubarb and Custard Martini or the Sherbet Lemon Fizz are inspired by classic sweets we all love. They add a fancy touch to those familiar tastes. Using a base of premium spirits, these cocktails are instilled with homemade syrups and essences that taste just like those famous sweets.

New spins on old favourites

Mixologists are getting inventive and trying out some new and exciting combos. The Chocolate Liqueur Chews Shake and Gummy Bear Sangria are excellent examples of this craze. They taste a bit cocktail and a bit of dessert and incorporate real candies. You can either dissolve them into the base or use them as playful garnishes – ideal for adding an element of fun and surprise to your drinking experience.

The joy of creating it yourself

You know what’s great? When you make those candy cocktails yourself. It’s super easy and fun to do. With a couple of basic ingredients and your much-loved sweets, you can experiment to throw together your one-off concoctions. First, use a simple syrup, a staple in any mixologist’s arsenal, and infuse it with your favourite candy. Your syrup will serve as the sweet backbone of your cocktail. Just add spirits, juices, and other mixers to it, as you see fit.

Ingredients to get you started

Want to start your candy cocktail adventure? Take a trip to Appleton Sweets where you’ll feast your eyes on all the wholesale sweets you need. Select from a whole hodgepodge of candies. How about the sour tang of Warheads or the sweet embrace of Haribo gummies? Don’t forget, that the quality of your sweets can drastically affect the final taste of your cocktail, so choose wisely!

Hosting a candy cocktail-themed get-together

Fancy stepping up your cocktail game? Have a candy-themed bash. Everyone will have fun together trying out cocktails that taste like all those classic sweets they adored as kids.

Even better, you could host a DIY cocktail bar. Your guests get to mix their own drinks, trying out different flavours and candies to create their personalised concoctions.

Tips for a successful candy cocktail party

  • Mix it up – Have plenty of candies and mixers to suit all kinds of taste buds.
  • Dress it up – Go for colourful glassware, and don’t be afraid of using fun garnishes. Think lollipop stirrers or candy necklaces.
  • Delicious duos – Pair your drinks with yummy snacks and savoury bites to bring out the best in your cocktails.

Turn everyday drinks into something more with your much-loved candies

Try mixing these three recipes – they’re perfect for any party, gathering, or a cosy night in.

Gummy bear spritz

Ingredients:

  • Prosecco or sparkling white wine
  • Elderflower liqueur
  • Assorted gummy bears
  • Soda water
  • Ice

How to prepare:

Fill a glass with ice and a decent handful of gummy bears. Next, splash in a bit of elderflower liqueur – one part, then follow up with twice as much Prosecco. Just pour in a little soda water to give it some fizz. Give it a gentle mix, and enjoy the fun gummy sweetness with every sip.

Chocolate mint martini

Ingredients:

  • Vodka
  • Crème de cacao (dark)
  • Crème de menthe (green)
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Ice
  • Chocolate shavings for garnish

How to prepare:

Grab a shaker, chuck in a couple of ice cubes, pour in a double shot of vodka, plus a single shot of crème de cacao, and a splosh of crème de menthe. Shake thoroughly until chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with mint leaves and chocolate shavings, offering a sophisticated yet indulgent chocolate mint experience.

Sour Patch Kids margarita

Ingredients:

  • Tequila
  • Triple sec
  • Lime juice
  • Sour Patch Kids candies
  • Salt for the rim
  • Ice

Preparation:

Rub salt in the rim of a glass. In a blender, blend two parts tequila, one part triple sec, one part lime juice, a handful of Sour Patch Kids, and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with additional Sour Patch Kids. Enjoy this tangy, sweet-and-sour twist on a classic margarita.

The ideal mix of sweet treats and enjoyment

If you’re thinking candy cocktails are just a flash in the pan, think again. Honestly, they’re a genius blend of old-school vibes and grown-up class. They take you back to your childhood flavours but with an adult kick. Dreaming up a drink? From the fizzy sherbet of a Flying Saucer to the creamy richness of a Chocolate Freddo, you can create anything you like.

Remember, the secret to a stellar candy cocktail is to balance taste. You want to capture the spirit of the sweet rather than drowning it in sugar. Want to get going with your candy cocktail making? Make every taste bring back childhood fun with a splash of adult sophistication now.

If you’re looking for candy ideas for your next cocktail? The team here at Appleton Sweets have everything from the latest sweet crazes to the old-school classics. With our massive choice of wholesale sweets, you’re sure to come up with some incredible cocktail ideas.

So, let’s raise a glass to make your beverages as fun and vibrant as the sweets you enjoy. Cheers!

 

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The Art of Candy Making and the Techniques and Tips from Master Confectioners

The Art of Candy Making and the Techniques and Tips from Master Confectioners

Chocolates, desserts, and sweets are the holy trinity of delicious delights, each with unique tips and tricks to reach the pinnacle of confectionery. Making these treats is a mix of creativity, precision, and tradition that results in beautiful creations.

But behind these is a lot of hard work, skill and technique to get the best results possible. Chefs are constantly innovating in this field to bring customers new sweets, chocolates and desserts to enjoy.

If you’re a budding confectioner or just love all things sweet, we uncover the secrets behind the glossy sheen of hard candies, the soft melt of chocolates, and the irresistible charm of gourmet sweets. Keep reading.

Essential Ingredients and Tools of the Trade

Let's get down to the essentials - the building blocks and gadgets that turn simple ingredients into spectacular sweets. Making chocolates and treats starts with a few basic ingredients and some essential tools.

Ingredients

Sugar is the show's star for any sweet or chocolate, creating the foundational sweet base. Glucose syrup is often used in commercial candy making as it prevents sugar crystals from forming during production.

Flavours and colours are two further key ingredients that add personality to candies in the form of  taste and texture. You’ll also find acid, like citric or tartaric, to add a zing to balance the sweetness and help make the end product shelf-stable.

Must-Have Tools

Precision is critical in candy making, so a good thermometer ensures your sugar hits the correct temperature or your chocolate gets tempered to the perfect point.

From classic shapes to quirky designs, moulds give your candies unique identities and come in various styles. Spoons and spatulas get the stirring done, while candy dipping forks are ideal for getting chocolates and truffles coated perfectly.

Core Techniques in Candy Making

Trying out making your sweets and chocolates? Let’s nail the basics. From boiling sugar to perfecting chocolate, mastering these techniques is your ticket to fantastic sweets. Here’s the lowdown on the essential skills to have in your arsenal.

Tempering Chocolate

Ever wondered how world-famous chocolatiers get their creations so glossy? It’s all in the tempering. This process involves carefully heating and cooling chocolate at specific temperatures for a smooth mirror finish. Patience is critical with this technique, as rushing could lead to a dull finish or a poor snap. Take your time and let the tempering do its work.

Boiling Sugar

Sugar is the backbone of any sweet production; boiling it unlocks anything from soft caramels to hard candies. The secret? A reliable candy thermometer and a keen eye. Each stage of boiling sugar involves keen timing and temperature control to get the perfect finish.

Moulding Candies

Moulding gives your sweets and chocolates their cool shapes and sizes. Silicon moulds are marvellous for gummies, and intricate moulds work well for artisanal chocolates. A little non-stick spray and a steady hand go a long way here, but the best part is the fun you can have with shapes and colours. Just pour, set and unmould to make the magic happen.

Pulling Sugar

Ready for a workout? This technique goes back centuries and is how you get those beautiful, shiny sweets. It’s all about stretching and folding the sugar until it’s glossy and white. This technique is perfect for making show-stopping decorations or mouthwatering taffy.

Advanced Techniques and Innovations

Ready to step up your candy game? Mastering these advanced techniques will set your sweets and chocolates apart. Here are some cutting-edge skills you can add to your repertoire.

Aeration

Ever wondered how Aeros get their bubbles? It’s down to aeration, where air is added to a candy or chocolate mix for that bubbly texture. The trick is using the right tools, like a kitchen mixer or a professional aerator, to get uniform bubbles. Before long, you’ll have fluffy marshmallows and chocolates to show off.

Encapsulation

This technique lets you trap a flavour or liquid core inside a solid shell, creating a surprise burst of sweetness. It’s achieved by cleverly using moulds to create the outer shell and then adding the filling before enclosing the liquid centre. It’s all about precision and timing, but nail it, and you have a showstopper treat.

Layering Flavours

Sweets sometimes need some contrasting flavours, and that’s where layering comes in. Combining tastes that complement or contrast, like sweet and sour or fruity and spicy, creates a whole new experience for the customer. Prepare separate batches for each flavour, layer them before the previous one fully sets, and let the final product cool for sweets and chocolates that are more complex than your average candy.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Candy making isn’t just about, well, making—it’s about doing it the right way. Sustainability and ethical practices are becoming vital in the industry. Here’s how confectioners are making a difference today.

Eco-Friendly Ingredients

With companies like Tony’s Chocolonely highlighting the work that still needs to be done in the cocoa industry, choosing responsibly sourced ingredients is crucial. This way, we can get the farmers a better deal and reduce our carbon footprint.

Reducing Waste

Nifty ways to minimise waste in confectionery production are on the rise. Zero-waste recipes and recycling by-products are two easy wins for the industry to save on how much they throw out - every little helps.

Energy Efficiency

We’re overreliant on energy - have you seen its cost lately? As a result, wholesale sweets suppliers and businesses use energy-efficient machines and processes in candy factories to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. It’s a win-win for the environment and the company.

Customers love knowing their favourite treats are made with care for people and the planet. It’s a reminder always to implement sustainable practices wherever possible.

Final Thoughts

This whistle-stop tour of the basics and advanced methods of making sweets and chocolates proves anyone can start making their own mouth-watering creations. Ready to explore even more delicious treats? Dive into the sweet universe of Appleton Sweets and discover your next favourite candy today.

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