Bon Bon Buddies take Universal Studio award

A SOUTH Wales-based confectionery has been named as one of Universal Studios’ best licensees for the year.

Bon Bon Buddies, manufacturer of character and branded confectionery, was recognised as Best Consumables Licensee 2017 at the inaugural Universal Studios UK Licensee Awards 2017.

The awards, which were held at the Universal Partner Day in Picture House Central, London, saw Bon Bon Buddies named among seven businesses as one of the best firm licnsed to provide branded material for the entertainment giant.

Taking home the title in the Best Overall Consumables category, the confectioner was commended for demonstrating the best performance, innovation and teamwork among some of the world’s most well-known brands and fellow finalists, including UK confectioner Kinnerton, speciality bakery manufacturer Finsbury Foods and global food manufacturer Kraft Heinz.

Bon Bon Buddies’ existing relationship with Universal Studios started in 2014 after the confectioner secured the license to produce Minion-themed confectionery following the success of the animated comedy, Despicable Me.

In more recent times, Bon Bon Buddies won the contract to produce a range of confectionery for the film giant’s long-awaited motion picture, The Secret Life of Pets.

Justin Thomas, managing director of Bon Bon Buddies, said: “This is a fantastic way to round off a busy year for Bon Bon Buddies.

“Receiving any award in recognition of your hard work is brilliant, but it always means that little bit extra when it comes from one of your longstanding partners, especially when you’re up against established global brands.

“Our products – from own-brand confectionery to licensed goods – require hard work at every level, and I’m grateful for the support and efforts put in by our teams across the business who help to grow and nurture our successful relationships not only with Universal Studios, but with all of our partners.”