Business

Kestrel to launch new 'Smart and Hearty' snack range at London expo

Lorraine and Michael Hall of Kestrel Foods in Craigavon
Lorraine and Michael Hall of Kestrel Foods in Craigavon Lorraine and Michael Hall of Kestrel Foods in Craigavon

KESTREL Foods in Craigavon will use next week's IFE 2017 expo in London - the UK’s biggest and most important food & drink trade show - to unveil its innovative new Smart and Hearty range of naturally sweet and ready to eat snack sized dried fruits without added sugar.

The 10-strong Smart and Hearty snacking range includes specially selected dried fruits such as mango, apricot, banana, pineapple, goji berries, cherries and dates.

The premium range has been created by Kestrel in its long-standing focus on healthy snacking products from dried fruits, nuts and seeds in its popular Forest Feast portfolio.

Smart and Hearty is among three new ranges being launched by Kestrel Foods for the indigenous and international markets.

The family-owned and managed business already exports its healthy snack options to almost 40 global markets including the US, Europe, China, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine.

With a portfolio of 150 unique and healthy snacks, it is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful food exporters.

Other innovative ranges being launched at IFE make it easy for snackers to opt for healthier options reflect market trends away from fried products and for adding fruits, nuts and seeds to other meals.

Lorraine Hall, commercial director of Kestrel Foods, commenting on the company’s latest range of innovative healthy options for snacking, says: “We’ve been creating and producing healthy snacks from dried fruits, nuts and seeds since 1996 for the UK, Irish and other international markets.

"This experience, knowledge of market trends and of sources of premium ingredients drives our strategic focus on innovation and has enabled us to come up with smart options for healthy snacks being demanded increasingly by consumers.

“Our Smart and Hearty range of snack sized dried fruit packs is an example of our expertise and sharp market focus on health conscious consumers. Innovation in healthy snacking, tasty treats that are actually good to eat, is the lifeblood of our business,” adds Mrs Hall.