Nim’s Fruit Crisps opens factory after £350k investment

Included in the investment was modern machinery to air-dry fruit and vegetables on a large scale – the firm claimed it was the first UK facility to do so.  

Nim’s Fruit Crisps previously partnered with an eastern European factory, but its founder Nimisha Raja wanted to open a factory in this country.

“I’m proud to have been able to bring production back to the UK and be part of the drive to increase British manufacturing,” Raja said.

‘Point of difference’

“The bespoke machinery we air-dry with produces just that, giving us a very strong point of difference in the market.” 

The company said the site, based in Sittingbourne, set it apart from competitors that tended to freeze-dry or vacuum-fry products. 

The manufacturing process also leaves fruit skin, core and pips intact. 

Raja said the company wanted to work with food producers to provide dried fruit and vegetables as ingredients for products such as cereals and vegetable mixes.

“Having been the very first fruit crisp on the market back in 2011, we’re continuing to innovate and strive to create the best product possible,” she said.

‘100% fruit’ crisp

“We wanted to make a crisp which was 100% fruit, tasted great and had a crisp texture that lasted once bagged.”

Nim’s Fruit Crisps secured a £3,000 investment from the Business Growth Service to fund a consultant to identify the best factory layout, workflow and equipment.

Business growth manager Ian Pateman said: “Nimisha has created a truly state-of-the-art fruit drying factory, right here in the ‘garden of England’.

“She now controls the full production of Nim’s fruit crisps and has the platform to increase volumes when required and innovate the range to introduce new flavours.

“There is definitely a market for her healthy snacks and interest is already emerging from international distributors in America, China and Europe.”