Sharing joy, memories and unforgettable confectionery experiences.

How Universal AU became the leading imported novelty candy importers in Australia

At Universal AU, we’re not just about novelty candy imports. We are creating a delightful confectionery experience for every Australian, young and old.

From our humble beginnings in 1983, we have passed many significant milestones to become the single largest novelty candy importer in Australia, with a retail sales value of over $200 million today. Our dedication to quality and passion for confectionery has enabled us to be super competitive while bringing smiles to generations of Australians.

The most cost-effective path for convectionery manufacturers to launch in Australia

As the #1 novelty candy importer in Australia, we understand the challenges of launching and distributing confectionery products in both local and international markets.

We offer a comprehensive service to local and international confectionery brands, ensuring the most cost-effective launch possible, along with guaranteed rapid distribution into Australian and Asian retail markets, thanks to our unbeatable supply chain management.

A sweet experience for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers

With our unrivalled experience and distribution channels, we can tailor a product offer that meets the needs of confectionery manufacturers, consumers, and retail businesses — from large national chains to small local independents.

Our team is dedicated to crafting a unique and unforgettable confectionery experience for each retailer, helping to differentiate every store from the rest.

Australia’s most streamlined supply chain for confectionery brands

Our supply chain management is second to none. Every year we import over 1,500 containers of confectionery from across the globe, managing it through our 15,000m2 warehouses.

We supply over 140 wholesalers who distribute our products to over 40,000 individual retail outlets.

We guarantee that nothing leaves our warehouse unless we know its entire journey to its destination will be in a 'climate-controlled' environment. This ensures that every piece of candy that reaches retailer shelves is of the highest quality, freshness, and taste, creating a lasting impression on your customers.

Our milestones

1983
Jurgen Fengels buys Sweet Ring Imports, a small confectionery import business servicing the confectionery route trade.

Initial Supplier Base:

  • Cede Candy, a Canadian-based dextrose candy supplier:
    • Dextrose pops
    • Dextrose rockets
  • Jacquot, a French supplier of chocolates:
    • Bob’s Chocolate Sticks
  • Dulces Mexican sherbet:
    • Sherbet straws
  • Sunmark compressed candy from the US:
    • Fun Dip
1984
Sweet Ring Imports launches Willy Wonka candy into the Australian confectionery route trade:
  • Nerds
  • Dweebs
  • Gobstoppers
1985
Sweet Ring:
  • Imports introduces Trolli German Gummi Candies into Australia for the first time: Gummi Bears
  • Launches Xmas Advent Calendars into the mass market for the first time
1988
Developed successful Christmas chocolate range

Sweet Ring develops a successful Christmas gifting chocolate range for department stores and supermarkets

1989
Launched a comprehensive Easter hollow chocolate range

Sweet Ring launches a comprehensive Easter hollow chocolate range into Woolworths Supermarkets nationally

1993
Sweet Ring business sold to Skansen Gift Ware

Jürgen sells the growing Sweet Ring business to Skansen Gift Ware Continues to trade in the seasonal arena under the name “Sweet Season”

1994
Sweet Season sells over 1 million nets of Chocolate Gold Coins

Sweet Season sells over 1 million nets of Chocolate Gold Coins during the Christmas season

1995
Sweet Season continues to grow

Sweet Season continues to grow and develops a strong seasonal business with department stores, discount stores and supermarkets

1998
Jürgen buys the Sweet Ring Business back from Skansen

Jürgen buys the Sweet Ring Business back from Skansen, re-branding the business “Universal Candy”

2000 to 2009
Universal Candy:
  • Launches Christmas stockings into market
  • Becomes the largest novelty supplier to Woolworths
  • Expands product range out of China
  • Launches Trolli Gummi Tubs to achieve a 500-tonne volume
2010 to 2017
Universal Candy:
  • Achieves 1-million-unit sales in Christmas stockings
  • Is appointed exclusive distributor for Cavendish & Harvey, Topps, Pez, Zombie Chews, Wicked Fizz, Brain Licker, Lickedy Lips, Pop Rocks, Warheads, Yowie & Vidal
  • Becomes the largest kid’s novelty supplier to Coles
  • Forms partnership with Coles on Private label for seasonal
2018 to 2022
Universal Candy:
  • Acquires the Candy Brokers business adding Chunky and Bpop brands to its expanding portfolio
  • Introduces a licensing arm to source strong licences
  • Is appointed exclusive distributor for Zed Candy and Zaini
  • Establishes the Woolworths Novelty stand - the first to develop in a grocery account
  • Builds a strong export arm to service Korea and Pacific Islands
  • Is awarded exclusive distribution right to Korea for the Warhead brand
  • Is offered exclusive right to new product development for the warheads brand
  • Agrees to source all new manufacturing for Warheads total export business
  • Acquires the Funtastic business adding Beacon & X-Treme brands to the portfolio
  • Is appointed as Warner Bros Licensee
  • Introduces a Gourmet arm to the business after being awarded the Anthon Berg, Walkers Chocolates and Belfine agencies
  • Introduces a Beverage arm to the business with the exclusive launch of Warheads soft drinks
Today
The business restructures to become Universal AU

Due to recent acquisitions and the development of new business arms, the business restructures to become Universal AU, while continuing to trade as Universal Candy.

Universal AU now offers a comprehensive service to many international confectionery brand owners.

Services include the most cost-effective path to launch and guarantee rapid distribution into the Australian domestic market.

The team has a wealth of knowledge, of local and international markets, and can draw from decades of experience, to design a product offer to best suit the retailer, consumer and manufacturer alike.

Supply chain management is second to none with an experienced team managing the shipment of merchandise from all corners of the world into a 10,000 square metre warehouse. Regardless of the merchandise, no inventory leaves this warehouse unless it’s guaranteed to make its entire journey in a ‘climate controlled’ environment.

Discover how we can grow your confectionery business together
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