Tayto move into popcorn market

The family-owned local firm announced today (Monday) that they had bought London-based company Tavern Snacks and acquired just over 75 per cent of Devon-based company Portlebay Popcorn.

Paul Allen, chief executive of Tayto, said, “We are really impressed with the innovation and enthusiasm of the Portlebay team and they make a first-class, premium product. While they will continue to run the business independently from Tayto, we shall of course provide access to all the wider group capabilities and we are looking forward to seeing significant growth.

“The purchase of Tavern has allowed us to diversify both by adding another brand and also by introducing their range of nuts to our portfolio. We are now producing crisps in Tandragee which are being sold under the Tavern name all around London.”

Award-winning Portlebay was the first company to produce ‘crispy bacon and maple syrup’ popcorn. one of their best-selling lines.

Tavern Snacks was founded in the 1970s and sells crisps and nuts, mainly to the licensed trade in the greater London area. The company also supplies a range of other products, bar supplies such as straws and cocktail sticks, through to confectionery and even pickled eggs, mussels and cockles.