Van Slooten International Limited is a premium confectionery manufacturer based in Saffron Walden, United Kingdom, specializing in the production and global distribution of fruit-flavored and liquorice-based sweets. Renowned for its colorful range and travel-ready packaging, the company operates under the highly recognized "Van Slooten" brand, which enjoys a prominent footprint across European travel retail markets.
Founded with a mission to bring joy through vibrant and quality candy products, Van Slooten International has evolved into a distinctive brand in the niche segment of travel tins and novelty packaging. Their products are especially well-known in airport duty-free shops, ferry terminals, and tourist hotspots across Europe. The company focuses on delivering a combination of fun aesthetics, high-quality ingredients, and compliant, vegan-friendly options—a unique positioning that caters to modern consumer preferences.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Van Slooten International’s core business revolves around the development and export of innovative, tin-packed confectionery. Their primary product categories include:
- Travel Tins: Safari Animals, Space Travellers, Souvenir Shop, Travel Bags, Liquorice Animals, Cruising Cadillacs
- Domestic Tins: Space Travelers, Liquorice Animals, Travel Bags, Safari Animals, Souvenir Shop
- Chewies: Tropical Punch, Bubbly Cola, Salty Liquorice, Frosty Mint
- Candy Bags: Marshmallows Travellers, Marshmallows Cadillacs, Travel Bags, Safari Animals
- Mix Packs: Liquorice Favourites, Fruity Favourites, Animal Favourites
All products are made with high-quality raw materials and offered in visually engaging packaging designed for display and convenience, especially during travel.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Van Slooten has carved out a unique identity through:
- Highly engaging travel-themed packaging
- Vegan and gluten-free candy options
- Strong focus on travel retail and souvenir gifting market
- Diverse range of liquorice and fruit-flavored products
- Emphasis on compliance with EU food safety and labeling standards
Their strategy targets both impulse buyers and gift seekers in travel-related retail environments—an approach not commonly explored by traditional candy brands.
Financials and Market Reach
Although specific annual revenue figures for Van Slooten International Limited are not publicly disclosed, their widespread availability across European travel retail hubs, airports, and ferry terminals highlights their strong distribution capabilities. The brand has an especially robust presence in Northern and Western Europe, catering to both domestic and international travelers.
Shipment Data and Export Activity
According to data available on third-party platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza, Van Slooten International has shipped hundreds of cartons of confectionery annually to markets like Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. Their products are regularly listed in the inventory of major travel retail operators including Viking Line and airport duty-free stores.
- Top Export Markets: Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden
- Key Retailers/Distributors: Viking Line (Finland), Tallink, Frankfurt Airport retail
This data confirms their strategic emphasis on the travel confectionery segment—a relatively niche but high-margin category.
Target Market
Van Slooten primarily targets:
- Travel retail customers including ferry lines, airports, and border shops
- Souvenir and gifting consumers
- Health-conscious and vegan consumers, with gluten-free and gelatin-free products
- Retailers looking for novelty confectionery with strong shelf appeal
Their marketing resonates particularly with families, travelers, and children, supported by playful branding and collectible-style packaging.
Capabilities
- Product innovation: Themed travel tins and seasonal releases
- Packaging versatility: From tins to resealable bags
- Compliance assurance: All products are developed under strict EU food safety regulations
- Flexible manufacturing: Ability to cater to both large and boutique retail orders
Certifications and Compliance
Van Slooten products are produced under compliance with the following standards:
- EU Food Safety Regulations
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Certifications (as marked on select products)
- Nutritional Transparency: All products are clearly labeled with ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information
Customer Testimonials
Van Slooten's products are consistently well-rated across retail platforms:
“A favorite among our customers! The animal-themed tins are always a hit, especially with tourists.”
— Travel Retail Buyer, Viking Line
“Vibrant, delicious, and loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a treat that doubles as a keepsake.”
— Store Manager, Frankfurt Airport Retail
Major Achievements
- Featured by Viking Line and Tallink Duty-Free, two of the largest ferry operators in Northern Europe
- Expanded presence in over 50+ travel retail points across Europe
- Known brand across major airports and souvenir shops
- Ongoing commitment to vegan and allergen-conscious product development
Van Slooten International continues to lead in the niche market of travel-ready confectionery, offering products that delight, comply, and travel well.
