Nim’s products will be available in more than 60 stores across the south east of England. If sales go well, the supermarket plans to stock more lines in its stores nationwide.
The Co-op will start the listing with three of Nim’s products – Pineapple, Beetroot & Parsnip and Tomato & Cucumber crisps – as part of the retailer’s commitment to sourcing locally manufactured produce.
Nim’s founder and ceo Nimisha Raja said the deal was the culmination of 12 months of hard work by the company.
‘First supermarket to stock our crisps’
“Co-op is a firm believer in sourcing healthier and locally sourced products and, with 70% of Nim’s products being made using British ingredients, it was agreed that it would become the first supermarket to stock our crisps,” said Raja.
“This is just the start. There will be three varieties on the shelves in 60 locations, but we are already talking about extending the range and the listing. We’re doing in-store tastings throughout Kent over the next few weeks to help promote the brand and support the launch.”
The Co-op listing followed the healthy snack manufacturer’s deal with snacks distributor Handmade Speciality Products in June to distribute its crisps to the education and healthcare sectors.
Commenting on the listing, Simon Dryell, head of local sourcing for The Co-op, said: “As a community retailer, The Co-op is committed to championing great local food and drink and we are delighted to give Nim’s Fruit Crisps pride of place in our stores.
‘Championing great local food and drink’
“Food provenance, quality and trust really matter to our customers and it is the innovation, traditions, quality and passion which makes these prized and locally loved products.”
Nim’s products are also available in a number of independent shops and online platforms and has export agreements with distributors in Belgium, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
It's fruit and vegetable crisps – which are fat-, gluten- and dairy-free – are manufactured at its BRC-accredited facility in Sittingbourne, where it is capable of producing over 12M packs of crisps a year.
Meanwhile, promoting the British origin of food and drink products will pay off for manufacturers after Brexit, according Raja.
In our exclusive video interview, Raja explained that there would always be customers wanting a British product, which won’t change after the UK left the EU.
Nim’s shortlisted for second year running
Nim’s Fruit Crisps has been shortlisted for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Innovation of the Year at this year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards, taking place at the London Hilton Park Lane on Wednesday November 1.
It's the second year the snack maker has been nominated for the award, after winning the coveted prize at last year’s glittering awards ceremony.
Be among the first to find out the winners of the night by booking your place at the 17th Food Manufacture Excellence Awards.