Burton’s Biscuit Company is announcing significant investment in its £50m (Nielsen 08.10.2016) Maryland brand over the next 12 months, with a packaging refresh, NPD and a social media campaign.

The new contemporary look for Maryland will improve standout and range navigation for shoppers, and will come to market with the launch of Maryland Thins; a new addition to the range launching this month.

Targeting younger shoppers aged 25 – 45 years old looking for lighter snacking options, Maryland Thins will be available in two flavours, Milk & Dark Choc Chip, and Salted Caramel (rrp £1.49/128g), available in shelf-ready packaging in case sizes of nine.

The new pack design will roll out to the rest of the range throughout June and July, supported by digital and social media activity, and TV advertising to be aired in Q1 2018.

Mandy Bobrowski, UK & Ireland marketing director at Burton’s Biscuit Company, said: “Maryland remains the nation’s no.1 cookie brand, growing at 10% year-on-year (Nielsen Scantrack 25.02.17), and gaining an additional 800,000 households in the past year alone (Kantar 26th February 2017) thanks to continued growth of Maryland core and innovative NPD.

“The new designs will ensure Maryland remains relevant and contemporary, improving standout on-shelf and in turn, enabling shoppers to better navigate the fixture, whilst reinforcing the message of Maryland as cookie experts and a beacon brand on-shelf.

“Additionally, our new Maryland Thins will enable retailers to attract younger shoppers into the category through new and exciting products targeting afternoon snacking; the second biggest occasion for cookies (Kantar Worldpanel Usage 52 w/e 25th Feb 2017).”