A FAMILY-OWNED Colchester crisp farm concluded 2023 on a high note, as it registered record sales.

Fairfields Farm's sales rose by 46 per cent last year, while branded crisps sales on the whole increased by 70 per cent.

Weekly crisp production capacity has also increased by 40 per cent, with plans for further enhancements this year.

The firm has credited recent investments and new stockists including Selfridges, LNER trains, American Airlines flights leaving the UK for the success.

SPAR, Saga Cruises ships, food-to-go chain TOAST and Soho Coffee Company, which allows for wider recognition at key commuter locations, are now also stockists of Fairfields Farm products.

Read more: Ellisons Solicitors Colchester and Frinton marks 260 years of business

Co-founder Robert Strathern said: "Other than the fact that we make a really top-notch product, we take personal pride in our reputation as a reliable and secure supplier."

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Fairfields Farm is also recognised for its sustainability efforts, having lowered its packaging weight by more than 30 per cent and heavily invested in renewable energy sources.

The woodland planted by the company in winter 2022-23 is expected to remove 14 tonnes of carbon a year after five years, and 43 tonnes after ten.

Mr Strathern added: "Of course, profitability is one thing but combining this with sustainability is our mission and I’m thrilled that we can now call our brands carbon neutral."