Glisten sees growth in healthy eating

By Peter Stiff

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Nutrition

Glisten, the UK-based confectionery and snack group, has reported
encouraging interim results and has set its sights on tapping
consumers' appetite for healthy eating.

The company's outlook may become particularly effective in light of recent legislation in the UK over snack foods in schools.

Management's strategy has developed since the firm's inception through a string of acquisitions aimed at broadening its product offering and exploiting growth trends such as organic foods.

"The acquisition of Halo Foods in December 2004 realised our ambition of creating a multi sector food group,"​ chairman Jeremy Hamer said. "In December 2005 we acquired Lyme Regis Fine Foods Limited, an organic and natural fruit and cereal bar manufacturer, giving Glisten a presence in the fast growing organic food market."

The company also commented on its aspirations to drive revenues through acquisitions.

"We continue to review a number of acquisition opportunities and are confident of our ability to continue to be able to make further strategic and earnings enhancing acquisitions which will continue to strengthen the group,"​ Hamer said.

Sales for the six months ended 31 December 2005 increased to £27.4m, a rise of 93 per cent.

Operating profit was £2m, up 77 per cent.

The company believes further revenue gains can be built with new products aimed at health conscious consumers in both the retail and in the vending sector.

Legislation currently under consultation in the UK would ban chocolate and crisps in UK schools in favour of healthier options such as cereal bars.

Glisten's decision to go into other segments could help it take advantage of the proposed laws.

The Lancashire firm's principle activities are the manufacturing of chocolate and sugar based confectionery.

The company already supplies high street retailers and major food manufacturers as well as food service and export markets.

Related topics Ingredients Health

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