Leading European pallet pooling company IPP has extended its partnership with the well-known confectionery manufacturer Swizzels Matlow, a collaboration that has thrived for nearly 20 years. Based in Coventry, IPP and Derbyshire’s Swizzels have worked together since 2009. Recently, IPP renewed its agreement to supply sustainable wooden pallets to the confectionery brand, which operates on the aptly named Candy Lane. Specializing in reusable wooden pallets for significant manufacturers and fast-moving consumer goods, IPP has facilitated the transport of millions of sweets for Swizzels, which includes beloved treats like Love Hearts, Parma Violets, and Drumstick sweets.
Laura Winfield, Swizzels’ head of customer supply, noted, “Swizzels has worked with IPP for many years, building a strong partnership based on trust, reliability and a shared understanding of our business. IPP supplies the pallets that are fundamental to our operation, and over time they have developed a strong understanding of our requirements, from day-to-day volumes to seasonal demand. Their consistent quality, dependable supply, and collaborative approach have been key to the longevity of the relationship.” Products from Swizzels are dispatched to supermarkets, wholesalers, and sweet shops across the UK on IPP pooled pallets, which are collected, repaired, repatriated, and eventually recycled, contributing to the circular economy.
IPP’s ‘One Way Trip’ service enhances operational efficiency by collecting empty pallets from Swizzels’ end customers, including major retailers, cash and carry businesses, and smaller confectioners, performing necessary repairs, and reintegrating them into circulation.
The logistics expert has also played a crucial role in supporting Swizzels’ recent growth, including the launch of its dedicated Squashies factory located in Middlewich, Cheshire. IPP remains prepared to manage significant holiday periods, which often result in heightened demand, and continuously invests in strategies that boost visibility and efficiencies for its partners.
Laura further commented, “As volumes have increased, IPP has supported this growth by ensuring a reliable and scalable pallet supply that aligns with our evolving operational needs. Their flexibility and responsiveness have helped us maintain efficiency across our supply chain during periods of expansion, particularly during the time we opened our new dedicated Squashies factory.” She emphasized the importance of seasonal peaks, like Halloween and Christmas, which require considerable increases in pallet availability. “IPP supports these peaks through collaborative forward planning, flexible supply, and a reliable service, giving us confidence that pallet availability is in place to meet increased production and distribution demands without compromising on service.”
Swizzels is focusing on ongoing growth through new product innovation and expanding its market footprint. Laura added, “As the business evolves, having a trusted pallet supplier like IPP – which understands our operation and can grow alongside us – will continue to be an important part of our supply chain strategy.”
Demi Crabbe, commercial director for IPP UK&I, remarked, “Our long-standing partnership with Swizzels is testament to our shared values and ability to deliver results. We’re delighted to have seen how much this business has grown in recent years, and to continue providing the reliable, trustworthy, and flexible service they know comes from working with IPP. We are constantly evolving and investing in digital and data-led solutions to enhance visibility and efficiencies across customer supply chains. These investments ensure our partners receive the best support as they continue to grow. The future looks bright for Swizzels, and we’ll be on hand wherever it may take them next!”
For further details about IPP, you can visit their website at www.ipp-pooling.com or find them on LinkedIn.
