Walker’s Shortbread, a family-owned and operated business with 128 years of heritage, has launched a new Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread in partnership with Avolta.
Heathrow passengers will be the first to experience this zesty twist on the classic all-butter shortbread. The launch, timed to coincide with the airport’s 80th birthday, will be available exclusively in the World Duty Free stores in all Heathrow terminals from March to June, with a wider roll-out across Avolta’s global store network following this period.
Priced at £7.50 (RRP), the new Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread is made with Walker’s signature shortbread recipe which has been passed down through five generations. Delivering a zesty tang of lemon with rich hints of cheesecake, it taps into the growing demand for premium snacks and treats.
The choice of Lemon Cheesecake is a strategic one, directly answering global consumer tastes. Market data confirms lemon as the third most popular flavour in the sweet bakery category worldwide, after chocolate and vanilla[1]. The launch is also timed to align with the seasonal peak in consumer demand for lighter, fruitier profiles during spring and summer[2]. Most importantly, the new shortbread has already shown exceptional appeal, securing an impressive 82% purchase intent in recent consumer testing[3].
To drive engagement during the initial launch period, Walker’s is hosting a special High Profile Promotion (HPP) activation in Heathrow Terminal 3 from March 12th – April 8th, 2026. The site will showcase a bespoke animated video celebrating the new product and the airport’s impressive milestone. Passengers visiting the site can sample the Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread to experience a unique taste of Scotland before they fly.
Bryony Walker, commercial director, at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “Travel is full of big moments, but often it’s the small, simple pleasures that make a journey memorable. Our new Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread is just that – it’s a comforting bite of our family’s traditional recipe with a touch of zesty lemon and evoking the flavour of classic cheesecake.
“For us, travel retail is the perfect global stage to present this blend of heritage and modern indulgence. It’s where we can connect with international passengers, offering them a unique piece of our story. To bring this experience to life with great partners like Avolta for Heathrow’s 80th birthday, makes it particularly meaningful.”
Jonathan McIvor, food & confectionery category manager in the UK for Avolta, said: “Our goal is to surprise and delight travellers with unique finds they can’t get anywhere else. Launching the Walker’s Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread exclusively at Heathrow for its 80th birthday does just that. It turns a travel moment into a discovery, and it’s a perfect example of how we partner with iconic brands to elevate the passenger experience. We are delighted to host the High Profile Promotion in Terminal 3 and are confident passengers will love this new flavour.”
Heathrow Retail Director, Fraser Brown, said: “Celebrating Heathrow’s 80th birthday with an exclusive flavour from Walker’s Shortbread feels especially fitting as it brings together two names with rich British heritage. We are committed to making every journey better, and by working closely with partners like Walker’s Shortbread and Avolta we can offer passengers unique and memorable travel experiences they will not find anywhere else.”
