PATERSON Arran, the West Lothian-based baker, has boosted its presence in supermarkets after winning listings for two Paterson's shortbread products in 300 Asda stores.

The company, which employs around 130 staff at its Livingston bakery and 20 on the Isle of Arran, has added Clotted Cream Shortbread Fingers and a Shortbread & Biscuit Assortment to the range already stocked in Asda supermarkets.

The new products, which come in 300g and 185g packs respectively, swell a range of shortbread and oatcake products made under the Paterson's brand in Livingston. Paterson's also makes biscuits under the Cafe Bronte and Bronte brands, in addition to mustard, chutney and jam made under the Arran brand at the Old Mill in Lamlash, Arran.

The new listing comes after Paterson's was found to have strengthened its position as the UK's biggest branded shortbread supplier last year, which, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel, grew to 41.4% in the year to December 23 from 31.4% in the previous 52 weeks.

Paterson's said it had been working to market shortbread as both a seasonal treat and a product that can be enjoyed every day. It recently secured a marketing deal with daytime show Loose Women on ITV in the STV area and a two-year sponsorship with the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Allan Miller, sales and marketing director at Paterson Arran, said: "Paterson's Shortbread is all about offering consumers great shortbread and great value. Our classic Shortbread Finger does this perfectly, but the new Clotted Cream Shortbread and new assortment give the shopper more choice."