Ritter Sport UK is accelerating its expansion across the convenience channel through a new permanent wholesale partnership with Parfetts, bringing five of its bestselling block chocolate flavours to all nine depots nationwide from this month.
The move forms part of Ritter Sport’s wider strategy to significantly grow its presence within the UK’s 50,000-strong convenience sector, making the brand more accessible to shoppers wherever they choose to buy chocolate. By increasing physical availability across convenience and independent retail, Ritter Sport aims to recruit new shoppers, build brand awareness and drive long-term category growth.
Rum Raisin & Hazelnut, Marzipan, Milk Whole Hazelnut, Dark Whole Hazelnut and Pistachio will now be available to Parfetts’ network of 1,950 Go Local stores and more than 6,000 independent retailers, giving retailers access to one of the UK’s fastest-growing block chocolate brands while offering shoppers greater choice through premium-quality chocolate and distinctive flavour innovation.
The new permanent listing gives independent retailers the opportunity to differentiate their confectionery fixture with a brand that continues to outperform the wider market. At a time when consumers are eating less chocolate but demanding far more from every bite, Ritter Sport believes convenience retailers are well placed to capitalise on growing demand for products that deliver genuine quality, flavour and value.
The five listed products represent Ritter Sport’s core bestselling flavours, carefully selected to help retailers stand out from more traditional convenience ranges while benefiting from one of the category’s strongest-performing brands.
Commenting on the new partnership, Benedict Daniels, managing director, Ritter Sport UK & Ireland, said: “Convenience is a hugely important growth channel for Ritter Sport and our partnership with Parfetts is another significant step in making the brand more accessible to shoppers across the UK.
Today, consumers are eating less chocolate but expecting much more from every bite. They’re looking for products that genuinely deliver on quality, flavour and value, and that’s exactly where Ritter Sport is winning.
Our challenge isn’t getting shoppers to buy Ritter Sport twice, it’s getting them to try it once. We know that once consumers discover Ritter Sport quality, repeat rates are exceptionally strong. This partnership gives thousands of independent retailers the opportunity to introduce more shoppers to the brand while driving genuine incremental growth within the category.”
The rollout marks another significant step in Ritter Sport’s UK expansion strategy. While the brand has already built a strong following with retailers in London, availability across all nine Parfetts depots now gives its growing nationwide customer base easier access to one of the UK’s fastest-growing block chocolate brands.
The range will be merchandised within the block chocolate fixture across all depots and supported throughout the year with depot activity and Go Local promotions. Retailers can also look forward to Ritter Sport’s latest branded collaboration NPD arriving in Parfetts from September.
The Parfetts partnership forms part of Ritter Sport’s wider strategy to increase physical availability across every major shopper mission. By strengthening its presence within convenience, the brand is continuing its mission to recruit millions of new consumers to discover Ritter Sport quality, helping build awareness, repeat purchase and long-term growth across both the convenience and grocery sectors.
The new listing comes as Ritter Sport continues to outperform the wider category. While the overall block chocolate market is declining by 5.2%, Ritter Sport has delivered year-on-year growth of 2.2 million units (+22.2%), highlighting the opportunity for retailers to grow confectionery sales by stocking a brand that continues to recruit new shoppers and outperform the market.*
*Source: Circana, Block Chocolate, Latest 52 Weeks ending 16.05.26 vs LY
