Vietnamese banana snack maker eyes expansion beyond health stores
The contract manufacturer and ingredients supply specialist has offices in the UK, Ukraine and Vietnam and manufactures snack bars, snacks and herbal teas.
Its Tropica Organic Lady Finger Dried Bananas were launched at the end of 2012 and are currently available on Natur Boutique’s online site and in health stores across the UK and in parts of Asia.
“The nature of the product lends itself to being popular among consumers that shop at health stores and as a result Natur Boutique decided health stores would be a great way to test the popularity of the products and start to build a loyal consumer base,” said David Ferguson, spokesperson for Natur Boutique from New Chapter Marketing.
However, Ferguson told BakeryandSnacks.com that Natur Boutique has plans to expand and is currently in talks with major retailers.
He also revealed that other raw food bars are under development in Vietnam with launches set for the next few months in the UK.
Lady Finger Bananas: A popular choice
“Natur Boutique specializes in bringing unique foods to the UK and saw a gap in the market. It aims to offer easy and tasty alternatives to fresh fruit,” Ferguson said.
Asked why banana was the choice of fruit for this snack, he said: “Lady Finger bananas are a popular snack in Vietnam and the Far East and they have been eaten out there for many years.”
The Lady Finger Bananas are sourced from Natur Boutique licensed farms in Vietnam and sundried on site.
The slow drying process locks in more moisture resulting in a product very different to other dried banana slices on the market, the marketing representative said.
He said the end product is very sweet to taste with a very unique and distinct flavor.
Ferguson said the product targets a wide consumer range, including parents, those who are health-conscious and the over 50’s segment.
The company described the product as a ‘super snack’ ideal for children’s lunch boxes or adults because of its high dietary fiber, vitamin and potassium content.
