A new snacking business backed by soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for Burts Snacks.

Canny Snacks has been formed as Radnor Hills makes its first major move outside the drinks category, using its existing infrastructure, customer relationships and commercial expertise to push into the wider snacking market.

The new business will operate as a standalone company led by co-founder and director Tom Carne, with support from Radnor Hills’ commercial and operational teams.

It will also be guided by Radnor Hills founder and chief executive William Watkins and former Yeo Valley chief executive Adrian Carne.

Burts Snacks will continue to be owned by Europe Snacks, which acquired the brand and its Plymouth production facility in 2023.

Europe Snacks, which operates nine factories across Europe, will remain the exclusive manufacturing partner for Burts.

Production will continue in Plymouth using the same sourcing and manufacturing processes, with Canny Snacks stating that the brand’s quality, authenticity and South West heritage will remain unchanged.

The transition began on 1 June, with the business saying customers can expect continuity of service during the process.

Radnor Hills chief executive 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 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 managing director Rikin Lakhani added: “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.”

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