Kestrel Foods Invests £5m to Fuel Global Growth of Its Forest Feast Brand
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a £5m investment by
Portadown-based premium snacking company, Kestrel Foods, to support growing
international demand for its chocolate snack ranges.
The company , a Food NI member, is investing in advanced chocolate coating and
polishing technology, alongside expanded storage facilities at its Carn Industrial
Estate site in Portadown. The investment will support the development of new
premium products and increase production capacity alongside the creation of 38 new
jobs over a 3-year period.
Visiting the company’s facilities in Portadown, the Minister said: “Kestrel Foods is
investing significantly in its processes to boost productivity, supported by Invest NI’s
Agri-Food Investment Initiative. This will enable the company to expand its product
range and grow export sales. As its Forest Feast brand approaches its 30th
anniversary, this investment marks another key milestone in its journey from a local
start-up to a globally recognised premium snacking brand.
“The creation of 38 new jobs is also a major boost for the Armagh City, Banbridge
and Craigavon Borough Council area, supporting my agenda to deliver greater
regional balance and ensuring economic growth is felt across all parts of the north.”
Founded in 1996 by Michael and Lorraine Hall, Kestrel Foods has grown from a local
family business into an internationally recognised food company exporting to 26
countries worldwide through its Forest Feast, ACTI-SNACK, Just Live a Little and
Indie Bay brands.
Michael Hall, founder and Managing Director, said the investment reflects the
company’s continued focus on innovation and long-term growth:
“Our products are developed and produced in Northern Ireland, where our artisan
techniques, product innovation and manufacturing expertise come together to create
premium snacks for customers around the world.
“To improve efficiency, we need to continue investing in automation across our
production lines. Installing a new continuous chocolate coating and polishing line will
significantly enhance productivity while supporting our continued growth and
expansion into international markets.”
Invest NI has offered Kestrel Foods £350,000 of capital support towards the
chocolate coating and polishing line through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative
(AFII).
Grainné Moody, Director of Food and Drink, Invest NI, said:
“Kestrel Foods has delivered strong growth since Michael and Lorraine established
the business in 1996. We’ve worked closely with the company since 2014,
supporting its development through capital investment, trade missions, skills
development and leadership training to help build capability and access new
markets.
“We are pleased to continue our support for Kestrel Foods through this project, with
our trade team also working with the company to explore opportunities in European
markets and support its next phase of growth.”
