Bulk confectionery
Bulk confectionery, pick and mix candy, 'candy walls, or simply loose candy' is a retailing strategy where various types of confectionery are sold together in large containers or in separate bins, allowing customers to select the assortment and quantity they prefer. Typically used in vending machines or confectionery retailers, this method involves dispensing candy by weight or piece count. This method has a global presence, with variations in practice and terminology across regions.
History
Sweden
Bulk confectionery dates back to the 1930s, when Swedish agriculture became self sufficient in refined sugar. That made sugar cheap, and candies accessible to almost the entire population. In 1984, the Swedish National Food Agency approved selling it in ordinary larger stores, provided that the candy varieties are kept in separate containers and picked with a scoop or a smaller bucket. The widespread availability of bulk confectionery is the main reason Sweden has the highest candy consumption in the world.Self-serve loose candy walls were introduced by two Finnish students educated in Stockholm, Sweden. They developed the idea in Helsinki, Finland, in the early 1980s. Since then it has started to spread all around the world, mostly in Europe and Asia. Even some IKEA stores in North America have started to sell mostly Swedish varieties but also American classics.
Swedes had the highest per capita candy consumption in the world since at least 2009. Maundy Thursday is the biggest selling day in grocery stores. In Sweden, about of candy are consumed per person per year.