UB’s snacks business is the second-largest bagged snack company in the UK after Pepsico, which owns Walkers. It has shown consistent profit growth for the last five years.
KP Snacks owns brands such as McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts and Skips, together with a range of other brands, which are seen as ripe for development. These include Phileas Fogg, Space Raiders, Nik Naks and Wheat Crunchies.
Its products are manufactured in four factories across the UK, which employ around 1,500 staff.
Snacks growing 6% a year
The snacks category is reported to be growing at 6% a year, and the UB Board see substantial growth opportunities both in the UK and Internationally. Bunker, together with the recently appointed dedicated management team, will be expected to take KP Snacks to its next level.
Bunker has been running the Kraft and Cadbury business in the UK and Ireland for the last four years with a current turnover of over £2bn.
He began his career with Mars Confectionery, and then worked with UB’s International Division and Terry’s of York. He joined Kraft in 2000. Bunker is currently chair of the Food and Drink Federation’s Sustainability Steering Group.
David Fish, non-executive chairman of UB, said: “Nick brings a wealth of experience to the new role as ceo of KP Snacks. We are very pleased he has decided to join our team and look forward to his leadership as we continue to grow the business and capture more opportunities in this dynamic product category.”
Bunker takes over the leadership of KP Snacks on September 1.
