Bon Bon Buddies is joining forces with Disney to create, produce and distribute a new and healthier alternative confectionery range as part of Disneys Healthy Living strategy.

Fruitickles will be unveiled by the British confectioner at the ISM 2017 trade fair in Cologne on 29 January before it arrives on retailers and independents shelves across the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) in May.

The character-branded Fruitickles range comprises five products made with 100% fruit in mixed strawberry, orange and blackcurrant flavours. Fruitickles is a portion-controlled and gluten-free product with no added sugar, no artificial flavours or colourings and is suitable for vegetarians.

Featuring characters from Disney brands including Disney Princess, Frozen, Cars 3, Spiderman and Star Wars, Fruitickles will come in single and multipack consumption packs, surprise bags (large and small sizes), surprise capsules and surprise cones. Prices will range from RRP£0.65/€1.05 to £2.85/€4.28.

The exclusive three-year partnership arises from Disneys Healthy Living strategy, which aims to encourage young children and adults to "live well, live healthy and have fun."

"Fruitickles is made with 100% fruit and is a healthier alternative to standard confectionery on the market, especially as many other products that promote themselves as fruit-based products only, in fact, contain about 0-6% fruit," explained Justin Thomas, managing director of Bon Bon Buddies.

Established in 1993, Bon Bon Buddies provides own-brand character confectionery to over 40 countries worldwide, with eight dedicated European sales and logistics facilities with further distribution in Central Eastern Europe, China, South East Asia, the Middle East and the US.