UK mineral waters business Radnor Hills has moved into the food category through a new joint venture called Canny Snacks.
The Radnor Splash flavoured waters maker owns a 50% stake in the new business, while the remaining half is owned by Tom Carne, who will head up Canny Snacks as its director.
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As part of its launch, Canny Snacks has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for UK crips brand Burts Snacks.
In a joint press release, Radnor Hills said the venture would help it “unlock growth within the adjacent and complementary snacking market”.
Canny Snacks aims to assemble a “curated portfolio” of savoury snack brands, including both owned and licensed products, co-founder and director Carne told Just Drinks.
“The business is powered by strong partners and deep industry knowledge which gives greater agility, shaper pricing and a stronger route to market,” he added.
The newly formed venture will operate as a standalone business.
Carne will lead the business, with backing from Radnor’s wider commercial and operational teams.
Canny Snacks will also be advised by Radnor Hills founder and CEO William Watkins, along with former Yeo Valley chief executive Adrian Carne.
Watkins said: “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills.”
Burts Snacks will remain under the ownership of Europe Snacks, which acquired the brand and its Plymouth production site in 2023.
Europe Snacks will continue as the exclusive manufacturing partner for Burts. Production will remain in Plymouth and continue under the same sourcing and manufacturing processes.
In the joint statement, Carne added: “We see a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of the Burts brand and build a scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of Radnor Hills, Europe Snacks and our wider partners, we are well placed to drive future growth through a collaborative approach.”
Founded in 1990, UK mineral waters business Radnor Hills markets a range of soft drinks as well as its namesake mineral water brand across the UK and Ireland, supplying retail and foodservice customers.
In an interview with Just Drinks last year, Radnor Hills managing director Simon Knight stated the group was aiming to reach £100m ($135m) in annual revenue within the next five years.
The group achieved £74m in its last financial year period which ran to the end of June 2025.
