Nim’s Fruit Crisps founder on life after Brexit

Promoting the British origin of food and drink products will pay off for manufacturers after Brexit, according to Nim’s Fruit Crisps founder and ceo Nimisha Raja.

In this exclusive video interview, Raja explained that there would always be customers wanting a British product. That would not change after the UK left the EU, she said.

“When it comes to exporting, I don’t think [Brexit] will be a big problem, in that we’re not going to struggle to find markets to sell to in Europe,” Raja told FoodManufacture.co.uk. I think the Great British brand is a great brand, and people will want to buy our products no matter what.

‘In a stronger position’

“Given the [weak value of] sterling at the moment. We’re in a stronger position anyway because people are more open to buying British products; it’s cheaper for them at the moment.”

Brexit could also open the door to greater opportunities outside of European countries, Raja goes on to explain. But, sourcing products that are grown in Europe will be challenging, as prices rise.

“When it comes to buying, I think I may struggle a bit,” said Raja. “Where I can’t get products here and I have to buy in Europe; sterling is a problem in that the prices have hiked up already.

“On the whole, I think we’re all being very pragmatic. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen.”

To read more about Nim’s Fruit Crisps – part of our ‘Me and My Factory’ series of profiles – including how Raja sold her home to help fund the business, order your copy of the May issue of Food Manufacture magazine.

Management style improved

Meanwhile, don’t miss last month’s Me and My Factory profile of Coca-Cola European Partners’ (CCEP) Morpeth operations director Jane Buckley.

In this exclusive video, the CCEP boss claimed her management style improved after understanding how others perceived her. She explained how training prior to joining CCEP taught her how to give and receive feedback in a constructive way.

Do you and your factory have a story to tell? If you think you would make a suitable Me and My Factory candidate, Food Manufacture’s associate editor Noli Dinkovski would love to hear from you.

Nim’s Fruit Crisps – Food Manufacture Excellence Awards winner

Nim’s Fruit Crisps saw success at last year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards (FMEAs), after winning the Small and medium-sized enterprise award.

The 2017 FMEAs are now open for entries. Find out how you could be in with a huge chance to win a coveted manufacturing Oscar here.