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Christmas 2011 was the ‘best ever’ for EHL Ingredients, which reports a 20% increase in sales during December.
This boost to the business will stand EHL in good stead for 2012 as it plans further growth and company expansion including a recruitment drive, product development and investment new machinery at its head office in Stockport, Cheshire.
The supplier of high quality conventional and organic ingredients to the UK food industry plans to recruit more staff this year and is currently on the look out for a Specification Technologist Administrator and Sales and Administration Personnel, with more roles to be announced in the next few months. Product plans for 2012 include additional allergen-free spices and seasonings, Mexican chillies, as well as new range of heat-treated lo-micro herbs and spices.
The team is also looking to develop and launch new innovative blends such as Biryani Spice, Creole Spice to mention a few. It currently offers around 300 food ingredients and boasts a 200-strong organic range aswell as over 50 custom blends.
During the last quarter, EHL has invested in more machinery to enhance production and packaging processes.
During 2011 products which showed the most growth were pepper and seeds such as Sunflower, Linseed, Poppy and Pumpkin.These have been sold into the food manufacturing sector and used in end products such as breads and bakery items, ready meals, healthy snacks and soups and sauces.
Sales Director, Tasneem Backhouse, says: “This Christmas was our best ever. We are very encouraged by the December sales report and are confident about our progress as a business. We are starting off 2012 on a positive note and we are aiming to increase sales this year by a further 20%, taking our annual turnover to an all-time high of £5 million.
“We put last years’ success down to several key factors; a strong sales team, quality products, a reliable service and a significant boost in our profile in the trade press.
“We are aware that many food companies are announcing job cuts but we feel we are doing something right at the moment and are looking for people to join our team and help to take the business forward. These developments will help to drive the company forwards as we continue to expand EHL Ingredients and become a major player in the UK food industry.”
The company has been working towards its second BRC accreditation and was awarded a grade A certification once again in December 2011. This gives EHL’s customers the reassurance of the company’s quality and safety management processes and opens up new growth opportunities for the business.
Cranswick benefited from a strong sales performance in the last quarter, with sales increased by 10% on the same period last year, building on the momentum established in the first half.
Sales growth in the quarter of bacon and fresh pork products was particularly strong and there were positive contributions from all other categories. Export sales remained buoyant and sales of pastry products continued to show pleasing progress.
Pig meat products continue to gain an increased share of the UK retail protein market. Recent market data highlighted a further acceleration in this gain over the Christmas trading period. Both the versatility and the low relative price of pork to other proteins are key to this positive trend. The growing popularity of pork products continues to be a contributory factor in the increase in sales at Cranswick.
There was some recovery in operating margin in the third quarter from that reported in the first half, although for the year to date it remains below that achieved in the comparable period last year.
Beacon Foods Looks To Grow With 2 New Sales Managers
Leading British ingredients specialist Beacon Foods is targeting business growth in 2012 following the appointment of two experienced regional sales managers.
Elaine Yates, from Bewdley, is the new regional manager for the Midlands and Alison Birch, from Bracknell, has been appointed regional manager for Southern England.
Elaine has been involved in the food industry for 23 years, having previously worked for United Biscuiits, Movenpick and Ticco.
“Up until now, I have worked with frozen food products, but there are signs that the industry is moving towards fresh products with provenance,” she said. “That’s why, when the opportunity to join Beacon Foods came my way, I jumped at it.
“As I have experience in the food service sector and dealing with chefs, I hope to develop this market for Beacon Foods, whilst also servicing our existing customers in the Midlands.
“I am very impressed by Beacon Foods, which is a family owned organisation that is hard working, very focused and customer-led. Nothing is too much trouble for them and the feedback I am getting from existing and new customers is excellent.”
Alison has been involved in the food industry for 21 years, originally training as a chef. She has worked for British Airways Catering, LSG Sky Chefs, Superior Foods and Food Partners, gaining experience of airline catering, manufacturing, new product development, innovation and sales.
“I have a very broad understanding of manufacturing, cooking facilities and seasonality, which heavily influences what Beacon Foods does. It makes it a lot easier for me to hit the ground running in my new job,” she said.
“I think the company has great potential for growth, particularly with the coffee shop culture in Central London, and I am looking to build the customer base by using the contacts that I have made in the industry.
“Beacon Foods has a lovely family atmosphere with a refreshing ‘can do’ attitude towards product development and sales.”
Established in Brecon with just four workers in 1993, Beacon Foods now employs 100 staff and is the UK’s leading specialist producer of roasted and char-grilled vegetables and fruit ranges, relishes, chutneys and sauces.
Christmas 2011 was the ‘best ever’ for EHL Ingredients, which reports a 20% increase in sales during December. 
Leading British ingredients specialist Beacon Foods is targeting business growth in 2012 following the appointment of two experienced regional sales managers.