Tyrrells Vegetable Crisps Set for Discontinuation Amid Factory Shutdown Plans
KP Snacks, the owner of the Tyrrells brand, has revealed intentions to phase out its vegetable crisps range, citing a prolonged slump in consumer demand. The company is proposing to close the manufacturing facility in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, where these products are currently produced.
Sustained Decline in Demand Drives Decision
The snacks giant attributed the move to a sustained decline in demand for the Tyrrells vegetable crisps, compounded by the loss of key export volumes. In a statement, KP Snacks explained that these factors have made the product line unsustainable, leading to the proposal to shut down the Uttoxeter site.
While the exact number of employees at the factory has not been disclosed, the company has committed to minimising redundancies. No final decisions have been made, but KP Snacks is engaging in a consultation process with staff during this uncertain period. The firm emphasised that it will explore all possible avenues to reduce or avoid job losses if the closure proceeds.
Other Tyrrells Ranges Unaffected
Importantly, KP Snacks stressed that there are no planned changes to other Tyrrells potato crisp ranges, which continue to perform strongly. This indicates that the brand's core potato-based products remain popular in the market, unaffected by the challenges facing the vegetable crisps line.
Historical Background of Tyrrells
Tyrrells was founded in 2002 by Herefordshire potato farmer William Chase, who ventured into crisp-making after supermarket pressures eroded his farming margins. The brand gained recognition for its distinctive flavours, derived from special potato varieties like Lady Rosetta.
Over the years, Tyrrells has undergone several ownership changes:
- In 2008, it was sold to private equity firm Langholm Capital for £40 million.
- It changed hands multiple times before being acquired by Intersnack, the parent company of KP Snacks, from The Hershey Company in 2018.
This closure proposal marks a significant shift for the brand, reflecting changing consumer preferences and market dynamics in the snack industry.
