Asda has brought back its Puffin biscuit, a brand that faced a High Court trademark challenge in 1997 over its resemblance to a rival product. The own-brand bar returns to shelves nationwide from 17 August, priced at £1 for 8 bars.
1997 High Court Ruling
The Puffin was accused of looking too similar to a branded competitor and was ordered to change its packaging. However, a judge ruled that it could keep its name. The biscuit was absent from shelves for a period before this week's return.
Brits Embrace Own-Brand Swaps
According to Asda research, 84% of Brits say they are more open to trying own-brand versions of their favourite snacks than they were five years ago. 88% say finding an own-brand equivalent that tastes as good as the branded original feels like a big win. 85% genuinely enjoy discovering a great own-brand alternative, while 30% say the most satisfying moment is discovering it tastes better than the branded original.
Nearly half (49%) have permanently switched from branded to own-brand biscuits, more than any other category, ahead of cheese (43%), bread (43%), tinned goods (42%), crisps (41%) and cereal (40%).
An Asda spokesperson said: “Customers are proud of finding a brilliant own-brand swap, especially when it saves them money and still tastes great. And with biscuits topping the table for the products Brits are permanently swapping, there couldn't be a better time to bring Puffin back, packed with personality and ready to take on the biscuit aisle.”
