Northern Irish sports snack producer leaves rivals behind

Acti-Snack 'Energy on the Go', the innovative nutrition brand from Kestrel Foods in Northern Ireland, has reported its best performance since launching in 2015.

The product, produced by Kestrel at Craigavon in county Armagh, has seen value growth by 34.4 percent year-on-year and 208 percent over the past two years. Act-Snack's growth heads the overall category performance with an increase of 20 percent from £51 million in March 2015 to £61 million in the same month 2017.

Andrea Cahill, Acti-Snack's marketing manager, says the impressive growth is down to consumers, particularly those interested in sports nutrition, scrutinising the ingredients of food, with almost two-thirds claiming they regularly read ingredients before buying new products. A third said they were looking for all-natural ingredients.

"As consumers become more discerning and savvy in terms of what they are putting in their bodies, clear and transparent labelling is more important than ever before," she adds.

"With no artificial additives, the Acti-Snack range ticks the box for those looking to limit the number of artificial ingredients they add to their diet and increase their natural ingredient intake."

The 100 percent dried fruit, nut and seed range comprises mixes such as Fruit,

Nut & Seed, Fruit, Nut & Soya, Nut Mix, Nut & Cacao, all of which are gluten-free, and free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Acti-Snack products are available in a convenient slim-line, impulse pack - perfect for running belts or saddle packs - as well as the Acti-Snack Power Pack, a re-sealable multiple serving pack format, and multi-pack option for added convenience.

Kestrel Foods is a UK leader in healthy snacks and also has extensive export business. The company's Forest Feast brand is among the UK's most successful healthy snacks.