HILL Biscuits has broken with 170 years of tradition by launching its first ever savoury snack.
The Ashton-under-Lyne institution has turned out millions of biscuits a year from its Tudno Mill headquarters since the 1890s, but the debut of its Simply Savoury range marks a diversification into uncharted territory.
Famed for its custard creams, bourbons and fig rolls, Hill’s first Simply Savoury products are cream crackers available in either 300g packets or snap packs.
Brendon Ward-Banner, the new CEO of Hill Biscuits’ parent company Cerealto UK, said of the move: “Following our acquisition by Cerealto in July 2024, we recognised an opportunity to diversify our product range as Cerealto UK already manufactures a wide range of sweet biscuits and savoury products.”
“Entering the savoury category in biscuit baking felt like a natural and exciting progression for the business whilst staying true to our values of quality, tradition and affordability.”
The snacks will only be available to wholesalers and the foodservice sector to begin with, before being expanded to general retailers at a later date
Ward-Banner, 51, who joined Hill Biscuits as their chief financial officer in 2016, added: “The launch of the new savoury products solidifies our commitment to join both businesses by collaborating on projects such as these, as Hill strategically enters the market with Simply Savoury, destined for cheese boards, snack boxes and everyday grazing.”
The company expects to launch two more products in the range later this year, with a sea salt & black pepper scalloped cracker joining a rosemary-flavoured one.
Hill is celebrating its 170th birthday this year after its formation in 1855 by Sarah and John Hill from a shop in Dukinfield.