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Stuart Graham joins KP Snacks as Head of Convenience and Impulse

Stuart Graham joins KP Snacks as Head of Convenience and Impulse

KP Snacks is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Graham as Head of Convenience and Impulse (C&I), reporting to Sales Director Matt Collins.

Stuart will be a key addition to the KP Snacks sales team and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the snacking category. His career includes senior roles at PepsiCo and Pladis with a strong focus on C&I.


Most recently, Stuart served as the UK Country Manager for Heura, a fast-growing plant-based food startup based in Barcelona. During his tenure, Stuart played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion in the UK market, driving innovation and growth.

“Stuart has an impressive background in the snacking category," said Matt Collins, Sales Director. "His deep understanding of the Convenience and Impulse sector, coupled with his experience in managing both established brands and emerging categories, positions him perfectly to lead our C&I Team. I am confident that his experience will greatly contribute to our future growth and strategic ambitions.

“Stuart’s arrival marks an exciting time for the business, his leadership, experience and vision will help ensure that we continue to be set-up for success and maintain our momentum today, whilst being fit and relevant for future growth tomorrow. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team”.

Stuart Graham said: "I am incredibly excited to join KP Snacks and to have the opportunity to work with fantastic brands, including McCoy's, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts, and Tyrrells. KP Snacks has a strong reputation in the market, and I’m looking forward to building on that success by driving further category growth. I will continue to focus on collaboration with our customer trade partners to ensure that we continue to grow together".

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Indies: It’s criminal police and government turn blind eye to shoplifting

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.

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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.

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“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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