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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.

Best Autumnal Sweet Candies and Desserts

Best Autumnal Sweet Candies and Desserts

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn ushers in a season of warmth and indulgence. This time of year is synonymous with a delightful transformation of flavours and treats in the confectionery world. 

From the spiced allure of cinnamon to the rich embrace of chocolate, autumn heralds a period where wholesale sweets and chocolates take on a festive, seasonal charm.

This article delves into the heart of autumn’s sweetest offerings, exploring why these treats are beloved worldwide. let's unwrap the essence of autumn and discover the best sweets and desserts that capture the spirit of this cosy season.

Trending Autumnal Sweets in the Wholesale Market

As the autumn season blossoms, the UK wholesale sweets and chocolate market witnesses a distinct shift in consumer preferences, gravitating towards flavours that epitomize the essence of fall. This year, the trend is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation. 

Classic favourites like spiced ginger candies and caramel apple lollipops continue to charm, their time-honoured flavours evoking memories of crisp autumn evenings and festive gatherings.

However, 2023 has also seen a surge in more adventurous choices. Pumpkin spice, a flavour synonymous with autumn globally, is now finding its way into various confections, from chocolate bars to gourmet jelly beans. Artisanal chocolatiers also experiment with bold combinations, introducing dark chocolate infused with orange and cinnamon, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional autumn tastes.

Retailers are observing a growing demand for these innovative sweets, with consumers increasingly seeking unique flavour profiles offering a modern take on autumn's classic palate. Products such as salted caramel truffles and apple-cinnamon fudge are flying off the shelves to cater to the social media-driven boom in autumnal recipes and flavours.

Classic Autumn Sweets and Chocolates

Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic. Certain treats remain steadfast symbols of autumn, cherished for their timeless appeal. Toffee apples stand as a quintessential favourite. Their irresistible combination of crisp apples and sweet, buttery toffee captures the essence of autumnal festivities, from Bonfire Night to Halloween celebrations.

Similarly, spiced chocolates hold a special place in the hearts of UK consumers. These luxurious confections, often infused with a harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, offer a warming indulgence perfect for cooler autumn days. Their rich, aromatic flavours evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making them a perennial favourite in the wholesale market.

These classics owe their lasting appeal to their ability to evoke the sensory memories of autumn – the crackle of a bonfire, the rustling of fallen leaves, and the cosy warmth of family gatherings. For wholesalers, it’s about connecting the consumer to that sense of nostalgia.

Autumn Dessert Ideas

As the leaves change and the nights draw in, this autumn hasn’t just been about the return of familiar flavours but also a celebration of innovation in the sweets and chocolates sector. Let’s take a look at some new twists on autumnal desserts.

Global Flavours Meet Autumnal Cosiness

Autumn has witnessed a delightful fusion of global tastes with traditional autumnal comfort. Chai spiced truffles stand out, combining the warm, aromatic spices of Indian chai with the luxurious texture of chocolate. This novel offering satisfies the growing UK consumer appetite for global culinary experiences, wrapped in the familiar comfort of autumn flavours.

Another notable entry is the matcha-infused pumpkin seed brittle, a unique blend of Japanese matcha's earthy tones with the nutty, autumnal crunch of pumpkin seeds, exemplifying how global flavours are reshaping traditional autumn treats.

Embracing Health-Conscious Innovations

There is a burgeoning trend towards health-conscious indulgences this season. Vegan and gluten-free options are taking centre stage, with items like pumpkin spice vegan fudge and apple crumble slices that are gluten-free. 

These treats cater to specific dietary preferences and resonate with a broader consumer base seeking healthier alternatives. The introduction of sugar-free spiced apple cookies and sugar-free syrups is another testament to this trend, offering the classic taste of autumn without the guilt.

Sustainable Confectionary

Sustainability also influences the autumn confectionery market as consumers look for high-quality ingredients. Products like organic pear, ginger jams, and chocolates made with ethically sourced cacao and minimal packaging are gaining traction. 

These products align with the increasing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of their food choices while also delivering the rich, indulgent flavours of the season.

Artisanal and Craft Collections

Small-batch, handcrafted caramels infused with foraged autumn berries or limited-edition chocolates with caramelised figs reflect a growing consumer preference for unique, high-quality confections. 

These unique products, often characterised by their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative flavour combinations, add a touch of exclusivity and luxury to the autumn sweets market.

How Wholesalers Can Capitalise on Autumn Trends

Autumn presents a golden opportunity for wholesalers to flourish by aligning with the season's trends. First and foremost, staying abreast of consumer preferences is key. 

This means stocking up on classic autumn staples like toffee apples and spiced chocolates, and embracing the new wave of innovative products. Wholesalers should consider adding global flavour-infused sweets, vegan options, and sustainable treats to their portfolio and adapt as needed.

Effective marketing plays a crucial role. Wholesalers can leverage social media platforms to showcase their autumn ranges, highlighting both the traditional and the novel. Jump on autumnal-themed TikTok and Instagram trends to make the most of the algorithm.

Lastly, flexibility is crucial. The ability to quickly adapt to changing trends and customer feedback can set a wholesaler apart. This might involve adjusting stock levels based on sales data or introducing trial packs for newer, more innovative products to gauge consumer interest.

Wrapping up

Autumn offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and indulgence. From the timeless appeal of classic treats to the exciting emergence of new flavours and health-conscious options, the autumn confectionery market is vibrant and ever-evolving.

For wholesalers and retailers alike, this season presents an unparalleled opportunity to delight customers and boost sales. By embracing the diverse array of autumnal sweets and chocolates, businesses can cater to various tastes and preferences.


Stock up on a range of sweets, including the delightful Wholesale Cotton Candy Gumballs, and reflect on a season filled with sweetness and joy. With Appleton Sweets, there's no better time to add extra sweetness to your shelves.

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Top 10 Sweet Gender Reveal Dessert Table Ideas

Top 10 Sweet Gender Reveal Dessert Table Ideas

Welcome to the sweetest way to announce the big surprise! Gender reveal parties are all about the fun and excitement of sharing whether it’s a boy or a girl with loved ones. What better way to thank your guests for coming than with a table stuffed with sweets and chocolates?

We’ve put together ten of the best dessert table ideas that delight the taste buds and charmingly unveil the mystery to which everyone wants the answer. From classic pink and blue themes to innovative chocolate reveals, each idea is crafted with wholesale sweets and chocolates, ensuring your celebration is as cost-effective as it is memorable. Let’s dive in.

Classic Pink and Blue Theme

Embrace the timeless charm of the classic pink and blue theme for your gender reveal. This section showcases a delightful array of sweets and chocolates drenched in these traditional hues. Picture rows of glossy pink bonbons beside velvety blue chocolates, creating a visually stunning display. 

 

We'll guide you through selecting the perfect wholesale options, ensuring your dessert table looks picture-perfect and offers various flavours. These classic colour-themed treats are sure to add a touch of elegance and anticipation to your special reveal.

Gender Reveal Chocolate Fountain

Add a touch of interactive fun with a chocolate fountain for your gender reveal party. Use coloured chocolate to create a cascading fountain where the flowing chocolate unveils the baby's gender. 

We suggest indulging in wholesale chocolates specially crafted for fountains, ensuring a smooth and vibrant flow. Pair it with fruits and marshmallows for dipping, inviting guests to partake in the sweet suspense. This centrepiece isn't just a treat for the tastebuds but also a fun spectacle, making your gender reveal one to remember.

Candy Buffet with a Twist

Transform the traditional candy buffet into a whimsical gender reveal game! Envision a vibrant spread of sweets, where each colour-coded piece hints at the baby’s gender. Opt for various wholesale sweets - from sugary gummies to sweet white chocolates - offering a playful mix of shapes and flavours. 

Creative labelling and unique display techniques add an element of mystery, enticing guests to guess and speculate.

Customised Chocolate Bars

Custom chocolates are a brilliant and classy way to announce a gender reveal. By choosing chocolates with customised wrappers, you can playfully incorporate different colours and designs that hint at or reveal the baby's gender. Alternatively, consider chocolates with coloured fillings – a bite into these delicacies can reveal whether it's a boy or a girl.

The versatility of these custom chocolates means they can be elegantly displayed on your dessert table or handed out as individual favours. These personalised treats are delightful to taste and add an element of surprise and a fun keepsake memory for your guests.

Sweet-filled Piñatas

Add a burst of excitement to your gender reveal with Sweet-filled Piñatas. This playful twist involves a piñata, cleverly stuffed with sweets that hint at your baby's gender. Opt for vibrant, colour-coordinated candies from our wholesale selection to fill your piñata. 

As the piñata breaks open, the shower of sweets becomes a joyful and interactive way to share your news. This idea offers a fun-filled activity for your guests, making the moment of revelation truly unforgettable.

Cupcakes and Chocolate Bites

Delight in the playful pairing of cupcakes and chocolate bites at your gender reveal. Imagine guests biting into fluffy cupcakes only to find centres that burst with the surprise reveal of your baby's gender.

Alongside, offer them small, delectable chocolates, each concealing a coloured filling. These treats, easily sourced from wholesale baking supplies and chocolates, make each bite a mini celebration. Combining baked goods with the excitement of a reveal brings an irresistible charm to your dessert table - and the chocolates give them something special to take home after the party.

Lollipop Bouquets

Beautiful and functional, lollipop bouquets add a creative twist to your gender-reveal dessert table. These bouquets, artfully assembled, turn an array of whimsically designed lollipops into stunning floral-like arrangements.

Each lollipop, chosen from a diverse selection of wholesale sweets, hints at your baby's gender through its unique colour and design. This concept adds a burst of visual delight to your celebration and invites guests to indulge in a sweet guessing game.

These delightful arrangements double as charming party favours, leaving guests with a lasting memory of the joyous occasion.

Elegant Truffles and Pralines

Indulge in the sophistication of truffles and pralines, a luxurious addition to your gender reveal festivities. These are a great idea for someone after a more refined gender reveal party to match equally elegant decor.

The presentation of these gourmet delights can be as lavish as the chocolates themselves, complete with cellophane or custom wrappers. Each chocolate offers a special experience, enhancing the excitement and sophistication of your gender reveal. This choice of high-quality chocolates brings a refined element to the event, making the big announcement an even more memorable occasion.

DIY Chocolate-Making Station

Create an interactive and delightful experience at your gender reveal party with a DIY chocolate-making station. This unique addition allows your guests to make their own chocolate treats, with options to incorporate colours that hint at the baby's gender.

You’ll need melting chocolates, moulds, and colourful decorations to make the station. This hands-on activity adds creativity to your celebration and lets guests personalise their sweet creations. It’s fun to have everyone joining in and make the event memorable as they craft and enjoy their chocolate delights.

Summing it Up

As we wrap up the sweet journey through these top ten dessert table ideas for your gender reveal party, remember that the heart of each concept lies in the joy and anticipation it brings. 

Using wholesale chocolate and sweets offers variety and creativity, ensuring your celebration is cost-effective without compromising quality. Whether you choose classic themes or innovative ideas, each brings its own unique flavour to your special day. 


Let these inspirations guide you in creating a memorable and delightful reveal. Start planning your perfect dessert table with wholesale chocolate from Appleton Sweets today, and let the sweet surprise unfold.

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Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate: Which One Is Better?

Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate: Which One Is Better?

In the UK, a country with a rich history of chocolate appreciation, a common question arises in the confectionery world: Which is better – dark chocolate or milk chocolate? This debate extends beyond personal preference, especially in the wholesale chocolate market, where both varieties hold significant sway.

It’s time to take stock of the two chocolate titans and see which reigns supreme. We'll discuss the distinctive characteristics of dark and milk chocolate, not just in terms of taste and texture but also considering factors like market trends, consumer preferences, and nutritional value.

Let’s dive in.

 

Understanding Dark and Milk Chocolate

Dark and milk chocolates, the two titans of the chocolate world, each have unique allure and characteristics. Dark chocolate, known for its higher cocoa content, offers a rich, intense flavour and a firmer texture. It typically contains less sugar and no milk solids, making it a favourite among purists and those seeking a less sweet, more cocoa-forward experience. 

On the other hand, milk chocolate, with its addition of milk solids and more sugar, presents a creamier, smoother, and sweeter taste profile, appealing to a broader range of palates.

Both types of chocolate have evolved in their production and consumption. While milk chocolate has long been popular for its pleasing taste and ubiquitous presence on supermarket shelves, dark chocolate has gained a following for its bold flavours and perceived health benefits. 

In the wholesale market, understanding these differences is crucial. Consumer preferences often vary, with some regions showing a stronger inclination towards the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate while others lean towards the sophisticated bitterness of dark chocolate. Catering to these diverse tastes is key in the competitive wholesale chocolate industry.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

When considering the nutritional content of dark and milk chocolate, it's essential to understand the key differences. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content, typically contains more fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and other minerals. 

It's also rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, known for their potential health benefits, such as improving heart health and aiding in reducing inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

Milk chocolate, while having a lower concentration of cocoa, offers calcium and protein due to adding milk. However, it also comes with higher sugar and fat content, which can be a consideration for those mindful of their dietary intake.

In today's health-conscious market, the appeal of dark chocolate has risen, largely attributed to its health benefits and lower sugar content. Consumers increasingly lean towards healthier options and dark chocolate is often perceived as a healthier indulgence than milk chocolate. 

This shift has impacted the wholesale chocolate market, with a growing demand for high-cocoa and lower-sugar options in the chocolate aisle.

Production and Quality Considerations

The production process of both dark and milk chocolate differs. For dark chocolate, this liquor is combined with cocoa butter, sugar, and sometimes lecithin and vanilla, resulting in its intense flavour and firm texture. On the other hand, milk chocolate includes adding milk solids and more sugar, creating its creamy texture and sweeter taste.

Quality is paramount in chocolate production, influencing consumer appeal and wholesale pricing. Factors such as the origin and type of cocoa beans, the processing methods, and the purity of ingredients play a significant role in determining quality. Premium chocolates with higher cocoa content and fewer additives usually command higher prices in the wholesale market.

Shelf life and storage are also crucial considerations. Dark chocolate, with its lower dairy content, generally has a longer shelf life than milk chocolate. Proper storage, away from heat and moisture, is essential to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of both types.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

Current market trends in the UK and globally show a growing preference for dark chocolate, aligning with the rise in health-conscious consumers. However, milk chocolate holds a significant market share due to its long-standing popularity and widespread appeal - just try asking a child which one they prefer!

Milk chocolate remains a staple among all age groups due to its classic taste, while dark chocolate is typically for a more mature palate. Marketing and branding play a crucial role in shaping consumer choices. Innovative packaging, ethical sourcing claims, and health-benefit highlighting are strategies to attract discerning customers.

Brands that successfully align their marketing efforts with consumer values, such as sustainability and wellness, often see a stronger influence on purchasing decisions, significantly impacting the wholesale chocolate bar market dynamics.

Wholesale Considerations and Pricing

In the wholesale market, dark and milk chocolate pricing strategies vary significantly. Dark chocolate often commands a higher price due to its higher cocoa content and perceived health benefits, appealing to a niche but growing segment. 

With its widespread popularity, milk chocolate is typically priced more competitively, catering to a larger market. Volume and demand play a critical role; higher demand for milk chocolate drives larger volume sales, while dark chocolate's niche appeal attracts a premium.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Ethical sourcing in chocolate production has become increasingly important as consumers are more aware of and concerned about the origins of their food. 

Practices such as fair labour conditions and environmentally sustainable farming significantly influence consumer choices. This shift in consumer awareness impacts wholesale practices, with a growing demand for ethically sourced chocolates.

Certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance play a pivotal role in reassuring consumers and wholesalers about the ethical credentials of chocolate products. Such certifications often lead to a preference for certified products in the wholesale market, as they align with social responsibility and environmental stewardship values that are becoming more central to consumer decision-making.

Wrapping Up

The choice between dark and milk chocolate in the wholesale sweets market is influenced by a blend of factors, including nutritional profiles, consumer preferences, and production quality, among others.

As a wholesaler, understanding these aspects is crucial to cater to consumers' evolving tastes and values. Whether your preference leans towards the rich intensity of dark chocolate or the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, there is a clear opportunity to meet diverse needs in the wholesale sweets arena. 

We invite you to explore our range of wholesale sweets and chocolates at Appleton Sweets, offering classic favourites and innovative options to delight your customers.

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