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Shortbread carries the message
19/12/2008
Walkers Shortbread, distributed in more than 70 countries, is producing a collectable Homecoming branded tin featuring the image and words of Robert Burns.
Homecoming branded snack packs will also be produced to celebrate Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009.
The collectable tin will contain a new variety of shortbread shapes, including a thistle and lion rampant. The tin and snack packs contain details of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 website so that consumers can find out more about the year of celebrations.
In 2009 Scotland will host its first ever Homecoming celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national bard Robert Burns. Homecoming 2009 will celebrate Scotland's contributions to the world: Golf, Whisky, Great Scottish minds and innovations, our rich ancestry, culture and heritage and Burns himself.
A Homecoming programme of more than 300 events, festivals and activities starts on Burns Night and runs through to St Andrews Day.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"Homecoming 2009 promises to be the biggest celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and innovation yet, and I am delighted that Walkers have launched this fantastic new range of products to mark and promote this momentous event.
"Walkers is an internationally recognised Scottish company, their products are consumed in more than 70 countries, and they will now be sending Scotland's Homecoming message to many thousands of customers across the globe.
"The packaging of the limited edition range includes the address of the Homecoming website which will enable potential visitors to discover more about the fantastic programme of more than 300 events we have lined-up for their return next year.
"One of the most important aspects of Homecoming 2009 is corporate engagement. Indeed no company approached for support has refused. However, I am delighted that an iconic Scottish brand like Walkers is one of the first to develop a special project range for our year of Homecoming."
Managing Director of Walkers Jim Walker said:
"Homecoming 2009 gives Scots the world over an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many great achievements past and present that have established Scotland firmly on the world map as a land of culture and enterprise. Not least of these is Scotland's status as "land of food and drink".
"Walkers is long recognised the world over as Scotland's finest and we are proud to support this initiative. We have created an indulgent shortbread selection, gift packed in a specially designed limited edition Homecoming tin and a twin pack of shortbread fingers.
"What better way to celebrate the start of Homecoming 2009 than with a dram and a piece of Walkers Shortbread!"
The tin likely to retail at around £10 and will be widely available in Scotland and the 70 countries Walker exports to. For the hospitality industry a specially commissioned twin pack of shortbread fingers is currently available featuring the Homecoming Scotland logo and the website.
Walkers employ more than 1,200 people and Walkers products are distributed in more than 70 countries. With approximately 35 per cent of our products exported, Walkers brand has the highest export percentage in the UK biscuit industry and is Scotland's leading brand in the export market.
Walkers have been awarded on three occasions, the Food from Britain Award for the UK Exporter of the year, open to the entire British food industry.