Scottish food manufacturer, Macphie, claims its new product formulation will put bakers in a pole position to respond to the growing demand for premium scones.
A recent Mintel report estimated the UK scone market to be worth £64m, a 9 per cent increase since 2000, partly as a result of the growing consumer trend towards impulse and convenience foods.
Independent research conducted by the company has pointed to growing consumer demand for scones without the product's well-known bi-carb aftertaste.
The new Macphie Ultra scone has eliminated this traditional back-bite, replacing it with a more appealing buttery taste.
The formulation is available as a mix, which is prepared by adding only water, or as a concentrate, which needs water, flour and vegetable oil or margarine.
The formulation has a six-month shelf life and is freeze-thaw stable.
The scone mix "can be adapted to suit a wide variety of sweet and savoury applications and is tolerant to a wide range of processing conditions," said Ian Wolfendon, the company's bakery solutions commercial director.