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KP Snacks reports robust numbers despite cyber attack

KP Snacks reports robust numbers despite cyber attack

Profit at KP Snacks surged to almost £100 million during its latest financial year, the maker of Butterkist, Pom-Bear and Popchips reported today (3).

The Slough-headquartered business, whose brands also includes likes of Mccoy’s, Hula Hoops and Terrell’s, has reported a pre-tax profit of £93.7m for 2023, up from the £64.3m it achieved in 2022.


Newly-filed accounts with Companies House also show the firm’s turnover jumped from £546m to £626.7m over the same period.

A statement signed off by the board said, “2023 saw significant inflationary pressures in the supply chain, levels not seen since 2008, impacting the whole food industry.

“Pricing, mix, revenue management and cost savings supported the recovery of 2023 inflation.

“Growth was also supported by lapping the KP cyber attack in 2022, which whilst effectively managed, had a significant impact on our business last year.

“KP grew share in 2023 and continued to strengthen its branded position in the UK crisps, snacks, popcorn and nuts market.

“Gross profit margin has increased back to 2021 levels of 47.7 per cent from 46 per cent as a result of mix management with brands growing ahead of own label, the lapping of the cyber attack, cost savings from investments in our sites and brands, manufacturing efficiencies and hedging strategies delaying some inflationary pressures.

“KP Snacks has continued to make major capital investments during the year which aligns to our strategy of being responsible for generations to come alongside a record level of marketing spend to support the growth of our brands.”

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Independent retailers are demanding tougher police action, more bobbies on the beat and harsher punishments as shoplifting levels reach an all-time high, a new survey reveals.

A whopping ninety-one per cent of respondents to a survey conducted by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) called for more police patrols on streets, while a similar number - 90 per cent - said that shoplifters should be handed harsher sentences.

Seven out of 10 respondents (72 per cent) said their stores had experienced shoplifting, break ins and damage to property, while they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.

Just under half of respondents (47 per cent) said they and their employees had been threatened or had suffered abuse and violence when asking for proof of age ahead of selling an age-restricted product.

Forty-four per cent reported that they and their staff had faced abuse or violence because they had refused to make a proxy sale – selling an age restricted product to a customer buying for a minor.

The results of the Fed’s survey came as new figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that shoplifting was at a record high, with almost half a million offences recorded last year.

According to the ONS, 469,788 offences were logged by forces in the year to June 2024 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

The ONS added that this figure was the highest since records began – in March 2003.

“Inadequate responses from the police and a slap on the wrist for offenders means that shoplifting is soaring, and offenders are becoming more aggressive and brazen,” said Fed National President Mo Razzaq.

“From the responses we received, it is clear that real action is needed by police, by courts and by the government to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

“Fed members are also sending a clear message that one of the catalysts for verbal and physical abuse in stores is asking for proof of age before selling an age restricted product. If the government presses ahead with its plans to phase out smoking and vaping through a progressive ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will be subject to even greater levels of violence, abuse and theft.”

Calling for action from the government and not just words, Mr Razzaq continued: “Without effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, during the year to March 2024, 431 fines were handed out for retail theft under £100, while Home Office statistics for the same period show that 2,252 cautions were accepted for shoplifting.

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