Hobnobs go gluten-free with two new products for biscuit lovers
OATY biscuit favourite Hobnobs is going gluten-free in a bid to appeal to a wider range of shoppers, according to a new report.
For United Biscuits has announced the launch of two products in the UK – McVitie's gluten-free original Hobnobs and McVitie's gluten-free milk chocolate Hobnobs.
The UK's largest biscuit maker said the new range will be rolled out in stores from early in the month.
The free-from sweet biscuit segment is one that continues to expand
The new lines will feature new packaging, based on the conventional McVitie's Hobnobs design and are expected to have a retail sales value of £3m (US$4.3m) in their first year.
McVitie's brand director at United Biscuits Kerry Owens told trade magazine The Grocer: “The free-from sweet biscuit segment is one that continues to expand, with 55% of UK consumers now open to buying gluten-free products.
You Probably Don't Need to Be on that Gluten-free Diet
“As the market leader in the main biscuit aisle, free-from is an important sector for us to expand into, to ensure McVitie's moments are open to all of our consumers with specific dietary requirements.”
The new products came as scientists discovered Rich Tea biscuits are the best for dunking.