EHL Ingredients has hit its £5m sales target as it reaches the end of its financial year. 2012 has been the best ever for the ingredient supplier and overall sales are up 20% on last year with further growth planned for the next 12 months.
The supplier of high quality conventional and organic ingredients to the UK food industry is in a strong position to start 2013 as it plans company expansion, a recruitment drive, investment in additional storage space and product development at its head office in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
EHL is on the look out for new staff and is currently recruiting for several roles including an Assistant Technical Manager, a Quality Assurance Manager, a Credit Controller and Sales Executive with more roles to be announced in the next few months.
As demand continues to increase, the company is looking to invest in additional storage space for several key ingredients.
During 2012 the company witnessed a notable increase in demand for its organic ingredients, including seeds, dried fruits and pulses, as well as for allergen-free ingredients such as curry powder. Over the summer months, BBQ blends, Mexican chillis, summer herbs and spices, seeds and grains experienced a boost in sales within the company’s target audience of food manufacturers and retailers.
Product development for next year includes additional allergen-free spices and seasonings, as well as increasing the range of heat-treated lo-micro herbs and spices. The team is also looking to develop and launch new innovative blends for the food industry. It currently offers around 300 food ingredients and boasts a 200-strong organic range as well as over 50 custom blends.
EHL Ingredients’ products are 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. They are also sold to speciality food shops, delis and organic retailers across the UK.
Sales Director, Tasneem Backhouse, says: ‘We are delighted to be ending the year on such a high. The summer was a busy period for us and with major events taking place across the country, we certainly benefited from the increase in demand for summer ingredients for food products.
“We put our success down to several key factors; a strong sales team, quality products, a reliable service and a significant boost in our profile in the food industry press. Plus, demand among consumers for healthier snack alternatives, such as seeds and dried fruits, has also led our customers to develop new, innovative products.
“There are also more organic food companies opening up, which has led to an increase in demand for our organic lines. There was a dip nationally in organic sales during the recession, but this seems to be picking up again now and commercial events such as Organic September really help to boost the sector overall.
“We are confident about our progress as a business and have consolidated our position in this highly competitive market place. We are going into 2013 on a positive note and we are aiming to increase sales this year by a further 20%.
“These developments will help to drive the company forwards as we continue to expand EHL Ingredients and become a major player on the North West business scene and within the UK food industry.”
The company was awarded a grade A BRC certification once again in December last year and will be audited again for the accreditation next month. 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.
