If there’s one confectionery category that refuses to fade quietly into nostalgic retirement, it’s liquorice. The dark, glossy stalwart of the sweet world has outlasted fads, TikTok trends and sugar-free evangelists alike. And with Christmas on its way – that frantic stretch where every retailer, corner shop and online sweet seller is trying to keep up with demand – liquorice remains a heavyweight. It’s not just tradition in a wrapper; it’s guaranteed turnover in a tub.

The heritage heavyweights (for those who know what sells)

Start where the story begins – with Barratt Sweets.

Barratt Hard Liquorice Sticks

Traditional black beauties that older generations remember as “proper” liquorice. Formally known as Bassett sticks, they’re firm, aromatic and 75-count strong – perfect for shops whose customers appreciate a sweet with a bit of backbone.

Barratt Liquorice Wands

Pure nostalgia on a stick – jet-black liquorice rolled in hundreds and thousands, bringing a bit of carnival chaos to any sweet jar.

Barratt Sherbet Fountain

That familiar paper tube, the fizzy sherbet, the liquorice dipping stick — it’s part sweet, part ritual, and a definite stocking-filler essential.

Barratt Black Jacks

Chewy, aniseed-flavoured icons that still command loyalty from buyers who know their retro appeal moves faster than you can restock it.

The innovators giving liquorice a modern glow-up

Liquorice may be rooted in history, but innovation keeps the shelves interesting.

Candycrave — Vegan Liquorice Cola Bottles

Bridge nostalgia and novelty with this perfect hybrid of liquorice and cola flavour in the bottle shape everyone knows sells. It’s 2kg of vegan-friendly joy that fits modern dietary demands without compromising taste. Bulk buyers will quietly thank you for stocking it.

King Regal — Liquorice-Mint Filled Bites

These balance that old-school hit of liquorice with a fresh, minty twist. Rich, smooth and perfectly portioned to tempt everyone from traditionalists to those who “don’t normally like liquorice” — until they try these. Stock them, and you’ll have both camps covered.

The Dutch masters: liquorice, but make it gourmet

Now, let’s talk about the new arrivals turning heads this season — Matthijs Gourmet Liquorice.

Liquorice Honey Bubs

This is where the European craftsmanship comes through — each variety polished, shaped and flavoured with enviable precision. These bee-shaped wonders taste every bit as sweet and floral as they look.

Liquorice Men

Playful shapes meet classic flavour — a fun twist on tradition that stands out in any pick n mix or gourmet sweet display.

Liquorice Giggles

Yes, the ones with smiley faces — cheerful cylinders that practically sell themselves from the shelf.

Matthijs Salty Liquorice

For purists who like their sweets with a bit of Scandinavian-style bite, this bold, savoury variety delivers the perfect balance of salt and depth. A must for serious liquorice lovers.

The heritage brand that never left the building

And yes — Haribo may have conquered the gummy market, but their liquorice game remains strong thanks to their classic Haribo Pontefract Cakes. These soft, rich discs trace their lineage back centuries, when liquorice was medicine and not just mischief. Today they’re still a steady seller, reliable as ever, and a must-have for any retailer serious about British tradition in sweet form.

The bottom line (and a few words of wisdom)

Liquorice doesn’t care about trends; it survives them. Stocking it isn’t nostalgia, it’s common sense. From Barratt’s crowd-pleasing classics to Matthijs’ modern marvels, from King Regal’s cool minty twist to Candycrave’s vegan innovation, these are the lines that move. And as Christmas approaches, “move” is the word to remember. Because nothing fills a hamper, a stocking or a shop shelf with quite the same charm as liquorice — the sweet that’s been quietly winning Christmas for over a century.

So yes, bring in the novelty tubs and TikTok gummies if you must, but remember this: when the dust settles and the orders roll in, liquorice will still be standing — bold, black, and selling faster than your supplier can pack it.