News
PepsiCo investing £8m into UK crisps manufacturing facility
The funding, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Pipers, will boost production capacity at the site by nearly 80% thanks to the replacement of existing crisp fryers with new energy efficient models and the installation of new packaging machines.
The new fryers will help reduce the site’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 200 tonnes per year and contribute to PepsiCo’s pep+ commitment to target an absolute reduction in emissions across its value chain by more than 40% by 2030, reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.
The investment will also go towards upgrading facilities for the factory’s 100 employees, including improvements to workspaces and staff changing rooms.
PepsiCo acquired Pipers in 2019 and the brand has since grown to become the number one premium crisp brand in the ‘away from home’ category. During that time sales have doubled and the improvements to the site should enable the brand to meet growing demand.
Originally available in small independent pubs, bars, cafes and farm shops, Pipers has expanded its distribution network to include national wholesalers such as Booker, Brakes and Bidfood, alongside hospitality operators Mitchell & Butlers, Stonegate and Youngs, to bring its quality crisps to people in a variety of locations across the country.
Meanwhile, the brand’s export business is now worth more than £2m, shipping to countries including France, Italy and across Scandinavia, while it is targeting further export opportunities across the Middle East, China and Japan.
Commenting on the announcement, Pipers head of operations Mirjam Fogarty said: “Pipers is a much-loved brand with a rich heritage, and we’re delighted to be making this investment at such an exciting stage in our journey.
“From small independent pubs, cafes and farm shops, to working with some of the UK’s biggest wholesalers and hospitality operators, the funding will help us bring our delicious crisps to more people, wherever they are, and expand our brand internationally. With Pipers’ 20th birthday fast approaching, I’m looking forward to the next phase of our growth.”
In addition to Pipers, PepsiCo owns UK food brands such as Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits, Monster Munch and Quaker Oats.
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