Jimmy's Tabasco Sweet Chilli sauce

Popcorn supplier Jimmy’s has licensed the Tabasco pepper sauce brand for two new lines.

It is this month rolling out 90g bags of Tabasco Sweet Chilli Cheese and Sweet Chilli BBQ popcorn (rsp: £1.59). The products are being distributed in the UK by Empire Bespoke Foods.

Popcorn sales soared 38.1% last year to £87.4m on volumes up 25.6% [IRI 52 w/e 6 December 2014], making it the fastest-growing sub-category in bagged snacks over the period.

“These tap into the latest popcorn trend of healthy snacking,” said Empire marketing manager Nina Prabhu. “Aligned with the fact awareness is already strong for the Tabasco brand, we expect both lines to be extremely competitive in the multiple and convenience retail sectors.”

Founded in 1992, family-run Jimmy’s is based in The Netherlands.