A new player has entered the UK snacking market with the launch of Canny Snacks – a specialist snacks business backed by leading soft drinks manufacturer, Radnor Hills.Created to bring fresh energy and ambition to the snacking category, Canny Snacks combines entrepreneurial leadership with the commercial reach and customer relationships of Radnor Hills.
As its first major move, Canny Snacks has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for Burts Snacks, the premium British crisps and snacks brand owned by Europe Snacks.
The partnership brings together three complementary strengths: Canny Snacks’ dedicated focus on brand growth, Radnor Hills’ established route to market, and Europe Snacks’ manufacturing expertise and innovation capabilities.
Burts Snacks remains owned by Europe Snacks, which acquired the brand and its Plymouth manufacturing facility in 2023. Europe Snacks will continue as Burts’ exclusive manufacturing partner, with production remaining in Plymouth using the same sourcing and manufacturing processes that have helped establish the brand as one of the UK’s leading premium snack producers.
For retailers, wholesalers and foodservice customers, the launch signals a renewed investment in the Burts brand, supported by a business built specifically to drive growth in snacking.
Operating as a standalone company, Canny Snacks is led by Tom Carne and supported by Radnor Hills’ wider commercial and operational teams. The business will also benefit from the experience of William Watkins, Founder and CEO of Radnor Hills, and Adrian Carne, former CEO of Yeo Valley.
Looking ahead, Canny Snacks plans to invest in brand development, innovation and long-term growth opportunities across the snacking sector.
Customers can expect continuity of service throughout the transition, with business continuing as usual.
Tom Carne, co-founder and director of Canny Snacks, said: “Canny Snacks has been created to bring fresh thinking, focus and ambition to the snacking category. Launching with a brand of Burts’ calibre gives us a fantastic foundation. By combining the strengths of Radnor Hills, Europe Snacks and our wider partners, we are building a business capable of delivering long-term growth for brands, customers and consumers alike.”
