Stand: Hall 4, Stand A12
Xystos Flame & Fragrance head of sales Paul Travis reflects on the company’s sales performance in 2025 and outlines new product launches and growth strategies for 2026
What were the key features of sales in 2025?
We had a strong year in 2025, achieving substantial growth. Sales were a little sluggish in the fourth quarter, so we’re planning an aggressive start to 2026. The investment we’ve made in strengthening the trade sales team has paid off. We now have the strongest team in the company’s recent history. This, combined with improved digital marketing, drove growth in sales and distribution.
Strong, appropriate product development is always key, and we had several strong launches in 2025, thanks to the sourcing skills of managing director David Lewis, who once again gave us the tools to succeed.
What plans do you have to boost sales in 2026?
We will build on the success of 2025, particularly the Splosh giftware brand. We’ve worked with Splosh as its exclusive European distributor for 10 years, and it provides the core of our gift offering.
Splosh is a unique, Australian-based gifting company focused on occasions gifts, which fits well with our broad retail opportunity and sells well across all four of our retail distribution sectors.
Splosh has the advantage of being owned by two ladies who are very much in touch with occasions. This brings a great design strength to Splosh.
What’s the most established product in the
Splosh range?
The travel sector is a huge part of our business and has delivered our biggest growth over the last two years. The bold statement Travel Maps sell in every outlet we’ve placed them in.
We offer a wide range, covering the UK, Europe, and the world, in numerous sizes and colours to suit every home. Just stick a pin where you’ve been – and another where you dream to go! New gold- and silver-framed maps will be launched for 2026.
The Splosh range is supported by Gleneagles Globes and Scratch Maps, with all products supplied with retail solutions for our customers.
What’s new from Splosh for 2026?
The Cottage Grove Collection is a warm and whimsical homeware range inspired by the beauty of slow living. Rooted in cottagecore style, it features charming hen motifs, delicate florals, and nostalgic countryside elements such as mushrooms and lavender.
Olive & Co. is a range of quirky, colourful, and genuinely hilarious coasters, packed with personality from edge to edge. Each design combines hand-drawn illustrations with cheeky one-liners that guarantee a laugh, a smile, or at least an appreciative eye-roll. These coasters don’t just protect your surfaces – they start conversations.
Heart & Soul is a collection of earrings and necklaces that we tested in the run-up to Christmas – and sold out. Finally, Positive Pots are a must-have for every garden centre and home.
Do you have any other launches planned for
Spring Fair?
Yes. Earth Lamps from Gleneagles were previewed in autumn and have been top sellers, so we’ll be introducing strong additions to the collection. This will be complemented by an expansion of our Stained-Glass Cello range, featuring the Highland Cow design.
Newness, alongside proven sellers, is the lifeblood of the company.
Call: 0191 499 1570
Email: sales@xystos.co.uk
Visit: www.xystostrade.co.uk
