Ethnic breadmaker invests 
in tortillas and pancakes

Ethnic breadmaker Honeytop Speciality Foods has moved into the morning goods sector after making a major investment in its Dunstable factory. This has resulted in some "exciting new product launches", according to Honeytop's new product development manager Sally Lawrence.

For example, last month the bakery which is traditionally known for manufacturing naans launched a supermarket own-label chocolate pancake, as well as a maple-syrup pancake, said Lawrence. Honeytop has also been working on innovation in its crumpet and tortilla lines.

"One of the biggest challenges that we faced with our tortilla product was preventing individual tortillas from sticking together in the pack. But through recipe reformulation, working with ingredient suppliers, investment in new lines and tweaking our manufacturing processes, we're happy with the results," she said.

"We also recently launched a seeded tortilla, as well as tortillas in resealable packaging," she added. "These launches have all been the result of an investment in our new product development team, which has increased from three to seven people, as well as an investment in our factory."

Over the last 18 months, Honeytop has introduced three crumpet lines, three pancake lines and two tortilla lines. "The new lines have meant that our products are more consistent in shape, weight and size. They have also given us more opportunity to develop new products," she said.

According to Lawrence, there has been a "lack of innovation in the pancake and crumpet markets for some time". She added: "After building up good relationships with our retail partners, we recognised massive gaps and areas of opportunity in these markets."

Lawrence wouldn't go into detail, but said the company would be unveiling more "exciting, innovative, new launches in the pancake and crumpets sector" early next year.