The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
KP Snacks has entered into a formal consultation process over the proposed discontinuation of Tyrrells-branded vegetable crisps, citing sustained declines in consumer demand.
As a result, the UK snacks manufacturer is proposing to close its Uttoxeter production site in Staffordshire, where Tyrrells’ non-potato products are manufactured. No final decision has been made, and the consultation process is now underway.
In a statement, a spokesperson for KP Snacks said the proposal follows a “sustained decline in demand and the loss of key export volumes” impacting the vegetable crisps range.
The company emphasised that the proposal relates solely to Tyrrells vegetable crisps. Its core Tyrrells potato crisp portfolio remains unaffected and “continues to perform strongly,” according to the spokesperson.
KP Snacks acquired the Herefordshire-based Tyrrells brand in 2018 as part of its strategy to strengthen its premium snacks offering. The brand has since maintained a prominent position in the UK’s premium hand-cooked crisp segment, though vegetable-based variants have faced increasing pressure in recent years amid shifting snacking trends and category rationalisation.
The Uttoxeter facility currently produces Tyrrells’ non-potato snack lines. Should the proposal proceed following consultation, the site would close, potentially impacting employees based there.
KP Snacks said it recognises the uncertainty facing staff at the site and has pledged support throughout the consultation period.
“While no final decisions have been made, we appreciate this is an uncertain time for our colleagues at Uttoxeter, and we are supporting them throughout the consultation process,” the spokesperson said. “Should the proposal progress, we will explore any ways to reduce or avoid redundancies where possible.”
Top image: © Tyrrells
