Kent Crisps secures Disney World export deal

The deal will see the Canterbury-based snack manufacturer’s oyster & vinegar, ham & mustard and roast beef & spitfire ale flavoured crisps on sale in the UK pavilion in Epcot theme park at the resort.

Kent Crisps will now reach an audience of 12.2m visitors to the park each year. Its products are already exported to ten markets, including Europe, Hong Kong, China and the Middle East.

Laura Bounds (pictured), owner of Kent Crisps, said: “Millions of people visit Disney World every year, so it’s a really exciting opportunity to have our products tried and tested by people from all corners of the globe.​ 

‘Fantastic driver for growth’​

“We launched Kent Crisps in 2011 and have had great success here in the UK, but seeking export opportunities has been a fantastic driver for growth for the business. We’re a small team, so having the support of the Food is GREAT campaign has been invaluable.”​

The Food is GREAT campaign – organised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for International Trade (DIT) – has supported a number of UK food producers in securing export deals, including edible seaweed processor Seaweed & Co and Leeds-based North Brewing Co.

“DIT has also helped introduce us to new buyers through local workshops,”​ Bounds continued. “This is always interesting as we can find out first-hand exactly what consumers from different parts of the world want. For example, in North American markets consumers tend to like trying traditionally British flavoured crisps including our salt and vinegar and roast beef flavours.​

Support for exporting ​

“If anyone out there is thinking about exporting, I’d urge you to get in touch with your local DIT office now. They can support and advise you on ways to help your business become more profitable. If we can do it, anyone can.”​

Kent Crisps has already secured export success in the US, having already counted several international airlines as customers. Overseas sales account for 25% of its annual turnover, with plans in place to increase this to 40% over the next three years.

DIT’s head of south east Ben Raby added: “Kent Crisps has successfully capitalised on the global demand for British produce. Having the backing of a brand like Disney is especially exciting as the theme park puts Kent Crisps on a truly global platform.”​

Meanwhile, East Anglian brewery Woodforde’s has revealed plans to export its range of beers to more global markets,​​ supported by the appointment of its first export manager.