#Calbee #SeabrookCrisps #SnackIndustry #PotatoChips #PlantExpansion #ManufacturingCapacity #MarketGrowth #Diversification #ConsumerPreferences #SustainableAgriculture
In a significant development for the snack industry, Calbee, the Japanese snack company and owner of Seabrook Crisps, is investing £12 million in expanding its UK plant located in Bradford. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capacity and meet the rising demand in the UK market.
The 4,000-square-meter expansion project, approved by authorities, includes the addition of new potato processing, frying, and bagging equipment. This expansion, set for completion in July of the following year, is expected to result in a substantial 70% increase in manufacturing capacity. The investment reflects Calbee’s commitment to long-term growth, brand expansion, and an increased market share.
Seabrook Crisps, acquired by Calbee in 2018, was formerly under the private equity division of Lloyds Bank. The plant had previously received a £3 million capital infusion in 2021, resulting in a 10% boost in output. The current expansion not only signifies the company’s commitment to meeting market demand but also positions Seabrook Crisps for diversification into new formats and occasions.
The spokesperson for Calbee highlighted, “This investment supports our long-term strategy and ambition for greater scale, brand growth, and increasing our market share. By expanding our facility, we will be growing our core crisp business and expanding into new formats and occasions while continuing to deliver great tasting, great quality, affordable products that consumers can enjoy every day.”
Aside from its core product line of straight-cut crisps, Seabrook Crisps supplies major UK supermarkets with a variety of snacks, including puffed nibbles and rings. Notably, the majority of these vegetarian snacks are gluten-free and certified by Coeliac UK, aligning with the growing consumer demand for healthier snack options.
It’s worth noting that Calbee’s presence in the UK extends beyond Seabrook Crisps, with the distribution of the plant-based snack brand Harvest Snaps. This strategic move showcases Calbee’s commitment to diversifying its product portfolio and catering to evolving consumer preferences.
Calbee’s substantial investment in expanding the Seabrook Crisps plant reflects not only a response to increased market demand but also a strategic move towards long-term growth and diversification. The snack industry can anticipate a significant boost in crinkle-cut potato chip production, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for innovative and quality snack options.
