DC Thomson Consumer Products has announced new developments for its food brand, Maw Broon’s Kitchen, inspired by the matriarch of The Sunday Post weekly comic strip "The Broons."

DC Thomson has teamed up with food sales, marketing and distribution specialist Food and Drink Hub Scotland, to form a new business–Maw Broon’s Retail Management–that will become the sales and distribution arm of Maw Broon’s Kitchen products.

Food and Drink Hub Scotland will work to expand the Maw Broon’s Kitchen brand at retail starting this Christmas, when it plans to launch the product line for the brand in one-stop shops. The line now includes cakes, bakery, confectionery and gifting items that will be displayed at grocers, garden centers, delis and farm shops across the U.K.

The licensing program currently features 15 partners for gifting, food, kitchen and homeware accessories, and Food and Drink Hub Scotland will work closely with DC Thomson and its partners to develop new products and brand extensions.

Additionally, the first-ever Maw Broon’s Kitchen pop-up café will launch at the Eat Drink Discover Scotland food festival this weekend. The pop-up café will serve a traditional homestyle menu featuring Scottish favorites such as stovies, mince rolls and afternoon tea for two. DC Thomson will use the pop-up to test the concept of permanent cafés in key cities.

“We launched the first Maw Broon's products late in 2012 and are now accelerating plans because of consumer and trade demand," says Tim Collins, head of brands, DC Thomson Consumer Products. "We are delighted to welcome Food and Drink Hub Scotland as a partner. They bring really detailed expertise to reach new audiences and open the door to greater commercial opportunities for the brand.”