Shop Window Show in London’s Top Stores for Armagh’s Snack Leader
Forest Feast, Northern Ireland’s snacking trailblazers, recently completed a
prestigious promotional assignment at two London’s iconic department stores and
was named for the Small Supplier of the Year 2025 by Boots. Forest Feast is a
FoodNI member.
The Craigavon-based business producing the multi-award-winning Forest Feast
snacks provided the window displays at Waitrose and Partners and John Lewis
stores on London’s bustling Oxford Street on the run-in to the frantic Christmas
shopping period.
It’s believed to be a ‘first’ for a local food business on Oxford Street.
The exciting shop window showcase is described by the Co Armagh family business,
which was founded and is run by managing director Michael Hall, as “a proud
moment”. The important boost from the three high street food retailers will benefit the
the Forest Feast brand, part of Kestrel Foods, as the marketing team there drives
sales in Britain faster and further, its most significant market. The company already
supplies many of its portfolio of gourmet chocolate, fruit and nut snacks to most of
the UK’s biggest supermarkets.
The week-long window displays at Waitrose and John Lewis signalled the start of the
ambitious company’s colourful ‘Merry Feastmas’ promotion and sampling campaign
for products such as its amazing 60 percent Cocoa Dark Chocolate Cherries.
A winner of a host of UK and Irish food awards, the Forest Feast gourmet snacking
range is part of quality-led and innovation-driven brands that also include Just Live a
Little breakfast cereals and Acti-Snack activity snacks.
Bronagh Clarke, Kestrel’s marketing director, says: “The promotion at two of
London’s most influential stores was a marvellous development for us in Britain and
follows our sales to these stores and other retailers there. Being listed by Boots for
Small Supplier of the Year Award at the retailer’s annual conference. is another
massive honour.”
The citation for the hugely encouraging nomination said: “Forest Feast has seen
amazing growth over the past 12 months with continued activation and first to market
launches. They constantly have a Boots hat on, seeing the Forest Feast brand a
strong partner growing the awareness and pick up of Wellness Nutrition in Boots.”
The Northern Ireland market leader has won widespread acclaim for delicious and
innovative snack blends such as: Belgian Dark Chocolate Coated Figs; Belgian Dark
Coated Sour Cherries; Preda Fair Trade Mango; Honey and SeaSalt Cashews and
Peanuts; and Sea Salt and Vinegar Nut Mix.
Formed in 1996 by Mr Hall and late wife Lorraine, Kestrel Foods is now among the
UK’s leading innovators and producers of snacks and other quality and original
brands.
The multi-award-winning company has achieved significant export sales growth and
expanded its international market presence over the past 30 years. Its products are
currently exported to more 36 countries worldwide.
The export-focused company currently sells products to diverse regions, including
the Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates, as well as Russia,
Scandinavia, the US, Asia, Hong Kong, and across Europe.
Forest Feast has also secured significant listings with major international retailers
and food service partners in Norway; Finland, Switzerland; and the Netherlands.
Foodservice partners include Caffe Nero in the United Kingdom. The attractively
presented and packaged brand is also present in the travel retail sector.
The company’s overall sales (including significant UK domestic sales) doubled to
over £20 million in the 52 weeks leading up to July 2025, a growth that underpins
initiatives to deepen market penetration “further afield”.
Kestrel Foods continues to focus on innovation and sustainable sourcing to maintain
its competitive edge in the dynamic global premium snack market.
Michael Hall, Kestrel’s widely acclaimed managing director, has also won a
prestigious cross-border business award and is recognised as one of island’s most
inspirational and visionary industry leaders.
Kestrel Foods, in addition, is also an established role model on how to grow
successful international business from a deep commitment to sustainability,
integrating responsible practices throughout its operations and supply chains. The
company’s efforts span ethical sourcing, waste reduction, community investment,
and climate action partnerships.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
A long-standing (over 25 years) partnership with the Preda Fairtrade Foundation
in the Philippines. This collaboration ensures fair prices for small farming
communities, promotes sustainable environmental practices, and provides
access to education, empowering indigenous farmers through the sale of
dried fruit and nuts. It also uses Cacao-Trace Chocolate, which ensures fair
premiums and community investment.
The company operates a comprehensive waste management and recycling
programme, with a strict zero waste-to-landfill policy. Excess food is
redistributed to local food banks or put into an anaerobic digester that
produces electricity for the local grid.
