Fairfields Farm rolls out new microwavable crisps concept in UK
According to Robert Strathern, founder of the Wormingford, Essex-based producer that has been producing potato and vegetable crisps since October 2006, the idea for microwavable crisps was born from the company’s love of its hand-cooked crisps eaten fresh from the fryer.
“We love how fresh our crisps taste when they've just been cooked,” he said, noting it took the company 18 months to develop the concept from idea to final product.
Heat & Eat – to be rolled out in Tesco and other retailers across the UK on September 11 – consists of a 125g bag of hand-cooked crisps that comes with a 50g dip. Available in two flavors: Sea Salt with Tomato Salsa Dip and Cheese & Chive with Caramelised Onion Dip for a RRP of £2.49 ($3.24).
Talking point
Strathern told BakeryandSnacks the reaction to the product has been overwhelming.
“The launch on The Sun’s social media channel last week has created a real buzz,” he said.
Strathern contends the hand-cooked snack market is now quite mature, with innovation centering around flavors, rather than concepts.
“We've come up with something that's not only unique, but that also creates a whole new snacking occasion. Heat & Eat is a talking point,” he said.
Patented pack
He said Heat & Eat is breaking boundaries in packaging design, too.
“There were some hurdles to cross, however the final result is just as we imagined.”
The patented bag can be placed upright in the microwave on high for 30 seconds to produce hot crisps as if they had been hand-cooked at home.
Shazam
Fairfields Farm has linked up with Shazam, an English app development company, to allow consumers to fully understand the concept of Heat & Eat through a video and other information.
Last year, Fairfields Farm, which also produces lentil bites and tortillas, reported earnings of £2.5m ($3.2m). It hopes to extend the distribution of Heat & Eat beyond the borders of the UK.
