Kent Crisps
Since securing its first overseas client in 2018, Kent Crisp’s export sales have gone from strength to strength and the company now exports its product to 5 global markets, including the US, Asia and the Middle East. Exports now account for 19% of the company’s annual turnover.
Asia, the Middle East & the US have been specifically targeted over the last five years due to an identified gap in the market for British snacks, with most competitors targeting Europe as their key export market. Through this drive, sales into both the Middle East & Asia have increased year on year, contributing significantly to our export sales turnover.
The snack manufacturer plans to grow exports to 20% of its annual turnover over the next three years. To do so, Kent Crisps looks to penetrate further into the US market, while pursuing more airline contracts.
Owner Laura Bounds has been integral to Kent Crisp’s export strategy, working tirelessly over the last 10 years to learn everything she can about international trade. As a smaller business, her dedication to grow the brand internationally has helped open the door to new opportunities outside the UK.
Kent Crisps produces on a smaller scale, giving it the advantage of being able to react quickly, particularly should any issues arise. Instances where other manufacturers may be hit with hefty fines due to issues with their packaging can be sidestepped by Kent Crisps ability to rapidly trial, test and implement solutions.
In its quest to be more sustainable, export orders are shipped by container overseas to keep carbon footprint to a minimum. The crisp maker’s packaging for transport is mainly cardboard and wooden pallets, all of which is 100% recyclable, and it educates its buyers on how to recycle packaging in their country.
The Anglesey Sea Salt Company
The Anglesey Sea Salt Company exports to 19 countries around the world, successfully penetrating markets in Europe, the US and Asia. In the latest full year, the company’s export sales saw an increase of 30.1% across both new and existing markets.
One of the standout achievements was the company’s performance in Dubai, where it experienced a surge in demand, particularly in the hospitality and foodservice sectors. Similar success was also reported in the Philippines and the Dominican Republic, with inroads also made in Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
At the forefront of Anglesey’s success is its Pure PDO Sea Salt, especially in markets where authenticity and sustainability are highly valued – its Protected Designation of Origin status underscores its premium nature, making it a sought-after ingredient across a variety of sectors.
In addition to the core sea salt product, the expansion of its flavoured sea salt lines has significantly contributed to our growth. By introducing new and diverse flavour profiles, the company has been able to cater to different culinary traditions and consumer preferences in international markets.
Anglesey plans to further extend its presence in Southeast Asia, with market research already underway to explore opportunities in Thailand and Vietnam specifically. To support these initiatives, Anglesey will leverage digital marketing strategies, utilise social media and e-commerce platforms to reach new audiences and promote its products effectively.
Maintaining its BCorp accreditation and our BRCGS AA+ rating will be integral to the manufacturer’s expansion strategy, credentials that underscore its commitment to quality, safety, sustainability, and ethical practices – values that are increasingly important to consumers worldwide.
Vibrant Brands
Vibrant brands has been growing their International business by at least 15% year-on-year over the last 4 years, with brands such as TRS and East End recognised as market leaders in the ethnic ‘world’ food category in several international markets. Sales have doubled to more than £50m in the last 4 years.
The company has reported impressive growth across Europe, with the French (existing) and Portuguese (new) markets seeing the most success over the last year – 33% and 35% growth respectively. Spices, lentils and pulses, flours, and dried fruit were the products driving sales for the business,
Vibrant has supported exports through re-designs of its brand and by making packaging more accessible to a wide range of customers. This packaging was also made more environmentally sustainable, with better communication given to customers through better marketing and an emphasis on digital media.
To support its supply chain, Vibrant has put a robust S&OP in place which commercial and supply chain teams manage jointly. Procurement, production, supply chain and demand teams are work in harmony with the help of data like customer forecasts and trends.
Looking ahead, the business hopes to expand into new markets like Canada and the Middle East (United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in particular), with plans to launch NPD which will help it target new markets.
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The entire shortlist of finalists for the FMEAs 2025 can be found here.
