KESTREL FOODS EXPANDS OPERATION AND PRODUCTS

Northern Ireland based Kestrel Foods, a market leader in the production and marketing of quality dried fruit, nuts and seeds snacks under the Forest Feast brand name for retailers in the UK, Republic of Ireland, mainland Europe, Middle and Far East, is investing in new production facilities and expanding its product range to increase sales in Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and further afield. The expansion covers production facilities, management and extensive employee training at the company's operation in Northern Ireland. The company is to enhance its existing portfolio of added value products with a new range of luxury chocolate coated dried fruits. These will include the finest Forest Feast dried fruits sourced from all around the globe and skillfully coated in delicious Belgian chocolate. The range features a tantalizing array of flavours: Belgian Milk Chocolate Mango, Belgian Dark Chocolate Sour Cherries and Belgian White Chocolate Cranberries. Packaged in eye-catching Mini Doy Packs, the lines will achieve strong on shelf presence. Kestrel's aim is to achieve a 60 per cent growth in sales outside Northern Ireland over the next three years, through its strong New Product Development Strategy, innovative integrated marketing programmes and continued focus in its existing and new export markets. Michael Hall, Managing Director of Kestrel Foods, commenting on the company's expansion plans, said: ???This is a very significant and strategic investment for us in new products for exciting market opportunities that we have identified from our own research and ongoing contacts with key retailers. The investment in skills will also increase our overall competitiveness. ???Our customers demand quality products that offer value for money and are supplied in eye-catching packaging supported by attractive merchandising support that will command the attention of consumers. ???Over the years we've pioneered quality, healthy snacks that stand out on the shelves because of their innovative packaging and merchandising. We've also succeeded in staying ahead of competitors by continuous investment in our products, marketing activities and the skills of our people. Kestrel Foods was formed in 1996 by Mr Hall and wife Lorraine, the company's Sales and Marketing Director. It currently employs 64 people.