Spiced-up meat drives up sales growth at EHL

Food ingredient supplier EHL Ingredients has announced 20% sales growth in 2012 - in part boosted by manufacturers buying more spices to infuse low-cost meat with more flavour.

Bosses say last year was the best on record for the Stockport-based ingredients supplier which hit its sales targets of £5M as international cuisines remained popular with food manufacturers and consumers.

It has now agreed a new banking relationship with HSBC, which will provide trade documentation and strategic advice to ensure smooth international banking operations and help support its growth plans as it seeks to expand further into overseas markets.

Innovative blends

Product development for this year includes additional allergen-free spices and seasonings, as well as increasing the range of heat-treated 'Lo-micro' herbs and spices on the market. The team is also looking to develop and launch new innovative blends for food manufacturers and foodservice.

EHL Ingredients supplies conventional and organic products from all over the world to the food manufacturing industry, including spices, seasoning, herbs, seeds dried fruits, nuts, lentils and vegetables. It currently offers around 300 food ingredients and boasts a 200-strong organic range, as well as over 50 custom blends. EHL Ingredients' products are sold into the food manufacturing sector and used in end products such as breads and bakery items, ready meals, healthy snacks and soups and sauces.

They are also sold to speciality food shops, d elis and organic retailers across the UK.

'Strong demand'

Naseem Ul-Haq, director of EHL Ingredients, said: "We are seeing strong demand for our product range, which is in part due to the long-standing popularity of international cuisines as well as an increasing trend for consumers purchasing spices to infuse low-cost meat with more flavour. We think the ignited interest in flavoursome food will stand EHL Ingredients in a strong position for continued growth and success.

"We are confident about our progress as a business and have consolidated our position in this highly competitive marketplace."