McCain looks set to launch a doughnut-shaped frozen potato product called Ponuts.
It has applied to register the name as a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office under classes 29 and 30, covering chips and potato-based products.
A spokeswoman for McCain remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a potential launch when approached by The Grocer.
“As a brand we are always discussing new ideas and sometimes this includes speculative trademark applications,” she said.
“When we have new products hitting the shelves, we will always let our customers know.”
The trademark activity comes after McCain’s UK arm saw a 19.5% jump in sales in the year to 30 June 2023, but profits were flat as margins declined amid elevated costs and weather challenges.
The frozen potato specialist grew overall sales to a record £712.6m over the period, according to its most recently filed accounts.
McCain Foods then announced in April it had taken full control of plant-based frozen food company Strong Roots, with plans to expand its offering and drive global growth.
Air Bites (rsp: £2.95) – available in Crispy Spinach & Carrot, Crispy Pea & Lemon and Crispy Veg – will launch into the big four supermarkets, along with Waitrose and Whole Foods Market next week.
This follows the launch of McCain’s dedicated Air Fryer range of chips in May.
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