Confectionery specialist Hancocks, with 20 cash & carries, has acquired ecommerce business UK Sweets – a £3 million turnover company based in Bournemouth. It supplies hand-made fudge and boiled sweets, as well as other confectionery.

Mark Watson, chief executive of Hancocks, which has a turnover of more than £130 million, said the purchase would double his company’s website sales.

“Our ecommerce venture has seen remarkable growth across both 2014 and 2015, with sales up more than 60% on previous years.

“Now, with the acquisition of UK Sweets, we can take our ecommerce business to the next level to become market leader, and maintain that position, in online wholesale confectionery.”

Watson added that the two websites would continue to run under their current names for the foreseeable future. “However, with greater buying power and different product ranges, customers will see the benefits of the companies joining forces throughout 2016.”

Mark Coffin, UK Sweets director, commented: “We are delighted to join the Hancocks Holdings group. We share a vast amount of synergies. However, with several different product ranges and two separate websites, the opportunities for the combined business are extensive.”

UK Sweets offers free delivery on orders over £150 (ex-VAT). The minimum drop is £50.

Tel: Hancocks Cash & Carry (01509) 216644