Tata Global Beverages, the owner of the Tetley tea brand, has entered into the UK food market for the first time with the launch of branded scones.

The Tetley Tea Folk fruit scones are made with Demerara sugar and plump juicy sultanas and are baked under under licence by bakers Haywood & Padgett, reported just-food.

The launch is the first evidence of Tetley's programme to leverage the appeal of the brand with a range of licenced products, the company said.

"This is all about developing Tetley Tea Folk products that are the perfect accompaniment to enjoying, making or thinking about Tetley tea," said Tetley marketing manager Anand Gandesha. "It is the first time that we have leveraged the strength of the Tetley Tea Folk in this way and it will be exciting to see how it develops."

Tetley also plans to launch a range of other edible products including biscuits, which will be aimed initially at the convenience sector before seeking broader distribution to major multiples, the company said.