Laura Bounds MBE, owner of Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils & Condiments, is putting Kent’s vibrant flavours on the global map
If you live or do business in the South East, chances are you’ve indulged in the irresistible crunch of Kent Crisps. More than just a local snack, this brand has cemented its place as a regional icon, captivating taste buds not only across the UK but also around the globe, thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of Laura Bounds MBE.
Laura’s journey with Kent Crisps began in 2012, just a year after the company was founded, when she transitioned from her role as a marketing executive for a Kent-based fresh produce wholesaler to join as a sales executive. Her deep connection to Kent and passion for local products made Laura a perfect fit for the business.
Fast forward five years and Laura took a bold step: in 2017, she orchestrated a management buyout, becoming the sole owner of Kent Crisps and its sister company Kentish Oils & Condiments. “Being born and bred in Kent, I’m passionate about showcasing the best food, drink and tourism our county has to offer, so becoming the sole owner felt like an opportunity for me to grow the businesses further,” explains Laura. “Since then, we’ve expanded our crisp flavours with the support of our fantastic flavour partners, along with the continuous development of our oils and launch of our condiment ranges. We’re one of the few British snack brands that remains independently owned and run – a factor I believe holds significant value for those looking to champion local, independent businesses.”
Kent Crisps is renowned for its award-winning range of hand-cooked crisps, inspired by local flavours and made with Red Tractor-assured, British-grown potatoes. Customers can savour classic varieties such as Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Ashmore Cheese & Onion and Ham & Mustard or enjoy bold, innovative combinations like Lamb & Rosemary, Oyster & Vinegar and Smoked Chipotle Chilli.
When it comes to developing new flavours, the team identify the very best Kent has to offer. “This could be a type of produce or a destination, and we go from there,” says Laura. “Championing tourism is a key element for us, which is why our entirely carbon-neutral packaging features iconic Kent locations. We then work with our flavour partners to use real Kentish ingredients, creating seasonings that are exceptional in quality and taste.”
Meanwhile, Kentish Oils & Condiments boasts a unique selection of Red Tractor-assured rapeseed oils, crafted from specially selected seeds cultivated in Kent. Alongside the Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, the brand produces seven blended oils – Chilli, Garlic & Herb, Lemon, Garden Mint, Basil, Rosemary, and the latest addition to the line-up, Truffle. On the condiments front, dressings include Honey & Mustard, Caramelised Shallot & Cider, Raspberry Vinaigrette, and Garden Herbs Vinaigrette, and there are three delectable mayonnaises – Original, Chilli and Garlic.
In addition to direct-to-consumer online sales, Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils & Condiments distribute to a diverse array of businesses in retail, hospitality, foodservice, travel and various other sectors. The brands are continuously looking to expand into new global markets, flying the flag for Kent and British products. Their export endeavours have seen remarkable growth, with products now available in 15 international markets, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, the USA, and, most recently, France and The Philippines.
For Laura, a key milestone for Kent Crisps was securing its first export client to Italy back in 2012. “As champions of all things Kent, it was amazing for our crisps to be sold in a range of Italian bars and marked the start of our export journey,” she reminisces. “Shortly after, we secured our first airline contract with British Airways in 2013. These two key milestones laid the foundation for our success to date, with the business going from strength to strength in terms of export growth and sales here in the UK.”
Throughout the years, Kent Crisps has garnered prestigious industry accolades, including multiple Great Taste Awards, FSB awards and Taste of Kent Awards. “These achievements have significantly bolstered our brand’s visibility and credibility,” Laura explains. “I’m always so impressed with what we’ve managed to achieve together as a small team. Most of the team have been with me since I took over the business in 2017 and we’ve all grown together. They really are the backbone of the business, contributing towards our success. I know I can rely on them 100%.”
And of course, we can’t overlook Laura’s personal achievement – receiving an MBE in 2022 for her contributions to International Trade. “It was an immense privilege to be part of such a remarkable day and to be acknowledged for the years of hard work and dedication poured into building the Kent Crisps brand,” she says.
It’s currently an exciting time for the companies, especially Kentish Oils & Condiments. Following a period of remarkable growth and securing new substantial contracts, the team is in the process of transitioning to a larger, purpose-built facility in Staple, a village near Canterbury. “Our purpose-built factory, kitted out to the highest specification with a development kitchen meeting our rigorous food safety and accreditation standards, opens a myriad of new opportunities for us. Not only will it increase our production capability to meet growing demand, but it also enables us to offer ‘own label’ services to other companies. We’re hoping to be in the factory by the end of July, opening our doors to new business, including plenty of our own new product development.”
Another exciting development for 2024 is Kent Crisps’ new partnership with Elite Pubs, a collection of 14 pubs, bars and restaurants in the South East renowned for serving locally sourced, quality food and drink. “A range of Kent Crisp flavours will now be available to buy in all of their venues, which is fantastic news for both our customers and patrons of Elite Pubs,” says Laura. “As a small team, we’re always thinking about the next partnership in the pipeline. In our industry, partnerships can take a long time to nurture – there are some I’ve been working on securing for over 10 years!”
Undoubtedly, collaboration and creativity are integral to Kent Crisps’ success. Laura reflects: “I’ve always treated this business like it belongs to everyone. Because we’re a small team, all the decisions we make are joint decisions, and we trust each other to make the right ones. Everyone feels comfortable bringing fresh ideas to the table, knowing their contributions hold weight and are integral to driving the brand forward. I think that’s the key and why we’ve stayed together for such a long time.”
At the moment, the snack industry is very trend-led, with new brands entering the marketplace almost weekly. However, from a global perspective, people love a traditional crisp, and it won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon!
Alongside expanding globally, Kent Crisps is working to secure new contracts to make its range more readily available, and on the Kentish Oils & Condiments side of the business, the own-label manufacturing service brings exciting possibilities. “We have lots of plans for the business over the next 12 months and it’s set to be one of our best years yet,” shares Laura. “We are always evolving and developing new relationships and collaborations, which are at the heart of our business. Keep your eyes peeled!”
