Range revamp for McCoy's and Hula Hoops

Competition in the bagged snack market is hotting up with the news that United Biscuits (UB) is expanding its McCoy's and Hula Hoops ranges.

Four new lines will spearhead a £9m marketing investment in the flagship UB brands this year.

Leading the pack is McCoy's Specials Tortillas, a ridged tortilla available in nacho cheese & sour cream, sizzling steak & onion fajita, hickory smoked ribs, red chilli and lime flavours.

McCoy's is also adding a new Sunday Roast with OXO limited edition range, in lamb & mint, beef & horseradish, chicken & stuffing flavours.

Hula Hoops is launching a more premium, 'grown up' offering, Hula Hoops Ridges. These aim to broaden the appeal of the brand, and come in four flavours: sour cream & chive, BBQ chicken, totally cheesey and steak & onion.

There is also a new Hula Hoops Wild West limited edition in two flavours: sheriff's saucy ribs and cowboy BBQ beans.

Paul Graham, UB trading director of impulse, said: "These new additions are an excellent way of bringing excitement and interest to the bagged snacks category.

"By offering consumers flavour variety we can create interest at point of purchase and bring new users to the brands."

Market leader Walkers has already announced a revamp of its core crisp range, including three new varieties.

Meanwhile, Tayto (NI), the Northern Irish company which holds manufacturing rights to the southern Irish Tayto crisps brand, is in exclusive discussions to buy the Golden Wonder business from the administrators.