Plympton-based, artisan producer, Portlebay Popcorn, has just launched two mouth-watering new flavours, Sweet Thai Sriracha and Lightly Sea Salted, which are now available through Co-op stores in the Devon and Cornwall region, as part of a substantial new contract with the food retailer.
In addition to the two new varieties, the Co-op is also stocking the hand-crafted popcorn manufacturer’s most popular flavours in its premium range, Sweet & Salty and the much-copied Crispy Bacon & Maple Syrup, in 70 stores across the area.
Neil Adams, director of Portlebay Popcorn, comments: “We are delighted to be expanding our profile in the local area and are excited to have launched the new additions to consumers. We are one of the few artisan popcorn brands that manufacture our own premium product and we have created a dynamic, bespoke range, which hits all the right notes with consumers’ palates.
“Our popcorn is hand-crafted and dusted with customised, unique flavour blends at our very own poppery. Our range includes something for everyone’s taste buds; from sweet, smoky characteristics to fizzy, retro tangs and fiery, piquant kicks as well as classic, balanced, savoury combinations. Portlebay’s luxury range is packed with personality and each little puff of deliciousness is bursting with flavour.
“With a mixture of small and large bags of four key Portlebay flavours available through Co-op, we hope that consumers enjoy our locally-made, sumptuous popcorn. Each of our varieties is also a figure-friendly snack alternative, as all of our range is 100% natural, gluten free and low in fat.”
Paul Allen, CEO of Tayto Group Ltd, which became the majority owner of Portlebay Popcorn in February 2017, added: “Portlebay is an innovative and ambitious company producing a premium and dynamic product range, which is why we viewed the majority acquisition as a great opportunity; both for Portlebay and for Tayto Group.
“We are pleased that the Co-op, the UK’s fifth largest retailer, has recognised the potential of Portlebay’s quality range and its significant consumer appeal.
“This deal is the first step in growing Portlebay Popcorn since the Tayto Group acquisition and we will continue to work with the dedicated team in Devon to develop the brand further. Through the support of Group logistics, we hope, in due course, to be able to bring Portlebay’s product range to more customers outside the local area.”
Tayto Group Ltd is the UK’s biggest indigenous crisp and snack manufacturer, producing five million bags a day across its six UK sites. The company remains family-owned and its headquarters are in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. In addition to Portlebay, its portfolio also includes Golden Wonder, Mr Porky, REAL Crisps, Jonathan Crisp and Tayto, Northern Ireland’s number one crisp brand. 
Pictured celebrating Plympton-based Portlebay Popcorn’s substantial new contract with food retailer, Co-op, are Jonty White (far left) and Neil Adams (far right) of Portlebay Popcorn with Hazel Jenkins, Victoria Edwards and Karen Horton from Chaddlewood Co-op.
