BRAND NEWS
Walker’s Shortbread launches ‘Wee Chunkies’ as a major new brand innovation
Walker’s Shortbread, the 128-year-old family- run Scottish shortbread manufacturer, is introducing a brand-new product, with the launch of Wee Chunkies. Marking an exciting step forward for the brand, the launch offers a genuine innovation in format designed to meet growing shopper demands for premium, shareable treats. Wee Chunkies represent an entirely new way
to enjoy Walker’s world-famous quality. The signature all-butter shortbread acts as a base for a generous balance of chunky inclusions packed into every single bite-sized piece. Packaged in an eye-catching and convenient share-sized tub that ensures strong shelf standout, they are designed to be reheated gently at home, releasing the aroma and warmth of freshly baked shortbread, as though they’ve just emerged from Walker’s’ ovens in
the Scottish Highlands. Available in two flavour varieties the range
includes Triple Chocolate and Chocolate & Caramel. Triple Chocolate features a decadent blend of creamy milk and dark chocolate, creating a rich experience within a crumbly shortbread bite, while Chocolate & Caramel features pockets of gooey caramel and smooth Belgian chocolate, baked into memorable shortbread bites.
National Bakewell Tart Day returns this June
National Bakewell Tart Day returns on Wednesday 24 June 2026, celebrating one of Britain’s most iconic sweet treats. Launched by The Bakewell Tart
Shop, which occupies the site believed to have first baked the delicacy commercially more than 100 years ago, the annual event honours the Derbyshire favourite and its place in British food culture. With a history spanning more than 160 years, the Bakewell
Tart remains one of the UK’s most recognisable regional bakes, combining raspberry jam, ground almonds and frangipane in a crisp shortcrust pastry. Despite changing food trends, demand remains strong. The
Bakewell Tart Shop sells more than 1,000 Bakewell Tarts and Bakewell Puddings each week through its café, shop and online store, with orders delivered nationwide. To mark the occasion, the family-run business will give away
100 free individual Bakewell Tarts outside the shop from 9.30am, alongside online offers for customers across the UK. Duncan Kirk, owner of The Bakewell Tart Shop, said: “There’s
something wonderfully nostalgic about Bakewell Tarts. Almost everyone seems to have a memory connected to them, whether that’s childhood tea times, holidays in Derbyshire or simply enjoying one with a cup of tea. “We created National Bakewell Tart Day to celebrate not just
the tart itself, but the traditions and nostalgia surrounding it. The Bakewell Tart has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.” The business welcomes around 100,000 visitors to Bakewell each year.
8 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • APRIL/MAY 2026 Aligning with a period of growth in sweet
biscuits, the launch comes as shoppers make more frequent trips for immediate ‘everyday- evening’ and ‘weekend-wind-down’ treats. Key market trends reveal ’treats for tonight’ shopper missions have increased by over 7.5% in the last year(1). Shopper research also confirms the products appeal, with three quarters (75%) of consumers agreeing they would enjoy Wee Chunkies while watching TV and 72% stating they would share them with family or friends(2). Furthering the brand’s connection with
a younger demographic of shoppers, the new product format has been shown to resonate strongly. Research found that 73% of 18–34-year-olds found the design appealing. Wee Chunkies are now on shelves in
Waitrose and will be available in Sainsbury’s from 24th May, with an RRP of £2.50.
Baker & Baker secures Cinnabon® license agreement
European bakery manufacturer Baker & Baker has signed a new licensing partnership with global bakery brand Cinnabon® to bring branded products to the UK in-store bakery market. The partnership launches with two new products: a two-pack Cinnabon® Cinnamon Muffin and a two- pack Cinnabon® Cinnamon Doughnut, arriving in selected UK retailers from May. The move is designed to meet growing consumer demand for cinnamon-flavoured bakery products and address a gap in the UK bakery aisle. Inspired by Cinnabon®’s
famous cinnamon rolls and signature cream cheese-style icing, both products feature a rich cinnamon flavour and cream cheese-style icing. The muffin combines a soft, moist texture with cinnamon and a topping of icing and cinnamon biscuit crumbs, while the doughnut features a light,
fluffy texture finished with icing and crunchy cinnamon biscuit pieces. Founded in Seattle in 1985, Cinnabon® has grown into a globally recognised bakery brand with a presence in 50 countries. Research cited by Baker & Baker shows the brand enjoys 78% recall among UK in-store bakery shoppers, while 83% of consumers surveyed said they would purchase the new doughnut and muffin products. The range has already
secured listings in Co- op from 6 May and Asda from 18 May, with further distribution planned. The products will be sold in two- pack formats, with RRPs of £1.80 for the doughnuts and £2.00 for the muffins.
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