Turnover climbs at snacks producer despite industry-wide challenges

Calbee UK Ltd, owner of Bradford-based Seabrook Crisps, has revealed 21% year-on-year growth, taking its turnover to £56.9m, as it publishes its latest financial report and accounts to December 2022.

Despite the inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges facing the industry, Calbee notes it is the only top five crisps, snacks and popcorn branded manufacturer to achieve volume growth of 1.4%.

Seabrook, the crisp and snack manufacturer acquired by Calbee in 2018, shared in the strong performance, reporting 14% growth.

The business saw an increase in the distribution of its core crisps range, with additional focus on new formats.

Supported by an investment of more than £3m into new technology at its Deeside snacks site, increased capacity allowed the business to extend its multipack and sharing snacks range.

Calbee UK managing director, Daniel Woodwards, said: “It is testament to our agility, flexibility, and continuous investment as a business that we ended 2022 in such a strong position.

“This is in no small part thanks to our focus on producing delicious crisps and snacks at everyday affordable prices, meeting with the needs of our retail customers and shoppers alike.

“As we head towards 2024, I am proud of the way our business has performed at a time of unprecedented change in the industry.

“Our long-term strategy and ambition for greater scale, across both branded and own label, will remain consistent and promise exciting years ahead.”