Rhys Sandford, Head of Marketing at Exploded Sweets shares his playbook for UK sellers interested in launching on Temu:
When Temu launched onto the UK market in 2023, Rhys Sandford wasn’t convinced it was the right platform he was looking for. But within a fortnight of launching Exploded Sweets on the platform, his data-driven strategy had delivered over 1,000 orders and a roadmap for scaling to six figures.
In this interview with Channel X World, Rhys explains how he cracked the Temu code — and why it can be a serious growth driver for certain businesses.
Tell us about you and Exploded Sweets.
Rhys Sandford: I’m Head of Marketing at Exploded Sweets and run RKS Growth Strategy Solutions, where I help brands scale through smart systems, data, and digital channels. Exploded Sweets is a UK confectionery brand built on variety and fun. Our freeze-dried sweets — a playful, modern twist on traditional confectionery — are capturing sweet lovers around the world with their unique crunch and flavours. We’re laser-focused on getting products into customers’ hands quickly, with great presentation and a fun unboxing experience.
But before Temu, growth was slow — shelf space was limited, and marketing costs were high.
When and why did you start selling on Temu
Rhys: We joined Temu in February 2025. Honestly, I was a bit sceptical at first. Temu had the reputation of being a platform dominated by low-cost goods. But I’ve learned not to dismiss disruption. I decided to test it as a low-friction sales channel and found the platform psychology fascinating. It gave us immense reach to ready-to-buy users without relying on social hype or constant pay-per-click investment. Unlike traditional stores that take time to restock or respond to trends, Temu lets us move quickly and test products in real time.
How did you achieve over 1,000 orders in the first two weeks?
Rhys: It came down to treating Temu as a live case study and using a data-driven approach. We focused on the fundamentals — keyword relevance, bundling, and aligning product positioning with how the platform works. In the first fortnight, we hit over 1,000 orders because we nailed the offer, packaging, and merchandising from day one. It’s not about ‘going viral’ — it’s about building a repeatable system.
What did you learn from consumer feedback?
Rhys: We launched over 300 SKUs in a few months, but not for the sake of volume — it was about matching demand as it emerged. Temu’s review system is very active, so we could spot trends fast – what customers loved, what needed tweaking, and which bundles worked best. Feedback loops shaped our product decisions in real time.
Why do you consider Temu a viable growth engine for UK businesses and sellers?
Rhys: If you have the right kind of product, Temu offers structured, platform-powered growth that’s predictable and scalable. It’s less volatile than social commerce platforms and gives you direct access to a huge user base without needing a big ad budget. Plus, the UK team support – which means direct contact with category leads and data insights — is a big advantage for sellers who want to grow strategically.
What should UK founders and marketers know before listing on Temu?
Rhys: You need to adapt to the platform’s pace. Temu rewards speed, relevance, and value. That means testing quickly, being agile with your SKUs, and optimising listings for search and conversion. And you need the operational capacity to keep up if your product takes off.
Why is Temu not right for every business?
Rhys: If you depend on exclusivity, or if your product needs a long education journey, you might struggle. Temu works best for products with broad appeal, simple fulfilment, and the ability to be bundled or packaged creatively. It’s not a silver bullet — but for the right fit, it can be a serious growth driver.
