Forest Feast invests in digital world to boost exports

Forest Feast, the Northern Ireland specialist in award winning dried fruit and nut snacks, is investing more than £100,000 in digital technology as part of a major initiative to boost global sales.

Forest Feast is the brand developed by Kestrel Foods, a family-owned and managed business based at Craigavon in county Armagh. The company already exports its range of premium snacks to customers in 36 countries worldwide.

The company is expanding its digital activities including online marketing and advertising. As part of its upgraded digital strategy, Forest Feast has launched its presence, including its latest product, Crunchy Coated Peas, on Snapchat social media.

Maeve Haughey, Kestrel's digital marketing executive, explains: "The significant investment committed by the company over the next three years reflect the internationalisation of the brand and the focus we have on growing our global audience.

"Kestrel Foods is a Northern Ireland based company which has established the Forest Feast brand and products in 36 countries worldwide. Snapchat will allow our consumers to experience the brand, wherever they are in the world," she adds.

The new Crunchy Coated Peas range is available in three flavours - Hot and Sour Sriracha, Smokin' BBQ and Spicy Chilli and Lime. The products come in foil fresh packaging, which features a contemporary Japanese animation-inspired design. Each 40g pack will retail both online and through leading retailers with a recommended price of £0.89.

Crunchy Coated Peas have been carefully balanced to achieve the right amount of flavour and crunch, the company says. Each product features a unique blend of spices, complementing the sweetness of the peas, and are low in calories - less than 170 per pack - as well as low-fat and protein-rich.

Established in 1996 by husband and wife team Michael and Lorraine Hall, Kestrel Foods has developed a range of over 150 products from dried fruit, nuts and seeds within the Forest Feast brand.