Tyrrells Vegetable Crisps Factory Faces Closure as Demand Plummets
KP Snacks, the owner of the Tyrrells brand, has announced plans to close a factory in Staffordshire as it moves to discontinue the Tyrrells vegetable crisps range. The decision comes after what the company describes as a "sustained decline in demand" for these products.
Factory Closure in Uttoxeter
The snacks giant is proposing to shut down the site in Uttoxeter, where Tyrrells vegetable crisps are manufactured. KP Snacks stated that this move follows not only the drop in consumer interest but also "the loss of key export volumes", which has further impacted the viability of the product line.
While the exact number of employees at the Uttoxeter factory has not been disclosed, the company has emphasised its commitment to minimising redundancies. In a statement, KP Snacks said, "While no final decisions have been made, we appreciate this is an uncertain time for our colleagues at Uttoxeter and we are supporting them throughout the consultation process."
Impact on Product Lines
It is important to note that this proposed closure and product discontinuation are specific to the vegetable crisps range. KP Snacks has clarified that other Tyrrells potato crisp varieties "are not affected and continue to perform strongly". This suggests a strategic shift within the brand's portfolio, focusing resources on more popular product lines.
The company added, "Should the proposal progress, we will explore any ways to reduce or avoid redundancies where possible." This indicates that employee welfare is a consideration during this transitional period.
Broader Market Context
The announcement highlights the volatile nature of consumer preferences in the snack food industry. A sustained slump in demand for a once-popular product like Tyrrells vegetable crisps can lead to significant operational changes, including factory closures. The loss of export business has compounded these challenges, making the production line less economically sustainable.
As the consultation process begins, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how KP Snacks manages the potential closure and supports its workforce, while also navigating the evolving market dynamics that led to this decision.
