Member Article

Online boost as Ocado agrees to stock Nim’s Fruit Crisps

One of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of healthy snacks is celebrating another major retail breakthrough after being selected to supply Ocado.

Nim’s Fruit Crisps has followed up its recent listing with more than 60 Co-Op stores to sign a new deal with the online supermarket that could double its weekly turnover by the end of the year.

The company, which produces air dried fruits crisps from its ‘Grade A’ BRC accredited facility in Sittingbourne, will see five of its original lines sold via the retailer’s website, including apple, pear, pineapple, beetroot & parsnip and tomato & cucumber.

In further good news, it has also had its recently launched Nim’s Kids range of products selected, as the nation’s desire to find healthier alternatives to mainstream snacks reaches an all-time high.

Nimisha Raja, Founder of Nim’s Fruit Crisps, explained: “That’s two major breakthroughs for our brand in just two months and I’m sure this will act as a platform for further retail opportunities.

“We took part in Ocado’s search for ‘Britain’s Next Top Supplier’ and, whilst we didn’t win, we were invited in to speak to buyers and they liked what they saw.”

She continued: “The online supermarket is always looking to find new and exciting products to tempt the consumer. I believe we tick all the boxes with today’s shoppers, who are looking for healthy, great tasting snacks.

“Most of our produce is sourced from UK farmers and our clean label – clearly displaying the one ingredient we use - are both great selling points.”

The deal with Ocado comes just a few weeks after Nim’s announced its listing in Co-Op stores across the South East of England.

Initial response from customers has been very positive with repeat orders placed and a number of in-store tastings helping to generate interest in the products, which are between 39 and 76 calories and the only crisp brand currently licensed by the Department of Health as ‘1 of your 5 a day’.

“The question we get asked most at consumer shows and on social media is ‘where can we buy Nim’s?” continued Nimisha.

“Ocado send out over 200,000 deliveries a week so is obviously a huge boost for our brand in terms of availability, awareness and in being able to answer this question more easily.”

Andrew Ayres, Senior Buying Manager at Ocado, commented: “We always look to provide our customers with a wide range of new and exciting products, and, when we came across Nim’s Fruit Crisps during our Britain’s Next Top Supplier competition, we knew they would be a perfect fit for Ocado. We’re delighted to add Nim’s Fruit and Vegetable Crisps to our extensive selection of great-tasting snacking options.”  

Nim’s Fruit and Vegetable Crisps, which are fat, gluten and dairy free, are manufactured at its bespoke facility in Sittingbourne where it is capable of producing over 12 million packs of crisps a year.

Following a recent audit, its factory has been awarded ‘Grade A’ status by BRC, a leading brand and consumer protection organisation.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .