'It gives us a significant platform for future growth': Craigavon’s snack explorers secures new business with leading US retailer
The Kestrel Foods-owned Forest Feast and Just Live a Little brands will feature in the retailer's stores
A Craigavon-based food business has secured a significant new retail listing with Whole Foods Market, one of North America's leading retailers of organic and natural products.
Kestrel Foods, the multi-award-winning family business behind the Forest Feast and Just Live a Little brands, has won new business with the respected international retailer, which operates more than 500 stores across North America and the UK.
Forest Feast, Northern Ireland's market leader in premium fruit and nut snacks, will supply a selection of products to Whole Foods Market, including salted dark chocolate almonds, pistachio crisp milk chocolate dates and matcha chocolate almonds.
The listing will also include products from Kestrel's Just Live a Little range, which specialises in granolas for breakfast and healthy snacking.
The latest deal represents another important step in the growth of Kestrel Foods, which has established itself as one of Northern Ireland's leading snack innovators over almost three decades in business.
Founded by businessman Michael Hall, the family-owned company has built an international reputation for developing innovative, high-quality snack products, with its Forest Feast brand pioneering a range of premium fruit and nut combinations.
Bronagh Clarke, commercial director at Kestrel Foods, said: “We are thrilled to have won this important business with Whole Foods Market, one of the leaders in organic and natural foods.
“It gives us a significant platform for future growth with this industry-leading international retailer.”
Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1978, Whole Foods Market has grown into one of the world's best-known retailers specialising in organic and natural food products.
Its rapid expansion across the US and Canada led to its acquisition by Amazon in 2017, providing further opportunities for growth and investment.
The retailer subsequently expanded into the UK market and now operates six stores in the country, including locations in London.
The new listing adds to Kestrel Foods' growing international retail presence and provides an opportunity to bring its Northern Ireland-developed snack products to a wider audience through one of the world's leading specialist food retailers.