A bold and innovative new business, Canny Snacks, has recently been formed with backing from soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills, marking the company’s first major move beyond the drinks category.
The venture builds on Radnor Hills’ established expertise, infrastructure and customer relationships to unlock growth within the adjacent and complementary snacking market.
As part of its launch, Canny Snacks has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for Burts Snacks – a well-established British brand with strong heritage in the Southwest of England. Together, the partnership combines creativity, commercial capability and operational support to unlock new opportunities and take the Burts brand to the next level.
Burts Snacks will remain in the arms of Europe Snacks who acquired the brand and Plymouth production facility 2023. Europe Snacks, a leading European manufacturer with nine factories across Europe, specialises in innovation and private label production and will remain the exclusive manufacturing partner for the Burts brand.
Importantly, Burts will remain true to its roots. Production will continue in Plymouth using the same sourcing and manufacturing processes, ensuring the quality, authenticity and heritage of the brand remain unchanged.
Canny Snacks will operate as a standalone business, led by Tom Carne and supported by Radnor Hills’ wider commercial and operational teams. The business will also be guided by William Watkins, Founder and CEO of Radnor Hills, alongside Adrian Carne, former CEO of Yeo Valley.
Canny Snacks is committed to bringing further energy, focus and investment to the Burts brand and, over time, drive innovation and future growth within the snacking category.
Customers can expect the same customer-centric approach, with business continuing as usual and continuity of service maintained during the transition process commencing on 1st June and beyond.
Radnor Hills CEO William Watkins said: “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Radnor Hills to expand into a category that naturally complements our core drinks business – after all, great drinks and great snacks are the perfect combination.”
Canny Snacks Ltd co-founder and director Tom Carne said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new partnership with securing the sales and marketing rights for Burts Snacks, with the transition taking place in the coming weeks.”
“We see a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of the Burts brand and build a scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of Radnor Hills, Europe Snacks and our wider partners, we are well placed to drive future growth through a collaborative approach.”
Burts UK MD Rikin Lakhani said: “We’re really excited about what this collaboration will bring. Canny Snacks’ entrepreneurial drive, combined with the expertise of Radnor Hills, creates a powerful platform to unlock new opportunities and take the Burts brand to the next level.”