EHL Ingredients serves up record sales

EHL INGREDIENTS, set up 18 years ago and whose Head Office is at Broadstone Mill in Stockport, has served up record results with an impressive year-on-year increase of 20% as sales of its seeds, dried fruits, spices and pulses imported from around the world exceed £5m for the first time.

The sales boost was partly due to an increase in demand for its organic range and allergen-free ingredients such as curry powder while, despite the damp summer, BBQ products also saw increased sales from both food manufacturers and retailers. 

EHL have equally ambitious plans for next year including developing additional allergen-free spices and seasonings, increasing the range of heat-treated lo-micro herbs and spices, investing in additional storage space and growing its team currently of 25 staff.

EHL is very much a family concern founded by Emma Haq and supported today by her daughter, Sales director, Tasneem Backhouse, and her Finance Director son Naseem Ul-Haq.

Tasneem says: ‘We are delighted to be ending the year on such a high. The summer was a busy period for us and with major events taking place across the country, we certainly benefited from the increase in demand for summer ingredients for food products.  
 
“We put our success down to several key factors; a strong sales team, quality products, a reliable service and a significant boost in our profile in the food industry press. Plus, demand among consumers for healthier snack alternatives, such as seeds and dried fruits, has also led our customers to develop new, innovative products.

“There are also more organic food companies opening up, which has led to an increase in demand for our organic lines. There was a dip nationally in organic sales during the recession, but this seems to be picking up again now and commercial events such as Organic September really help to boost the sector overall.

“We are are confident about our progress as a business and have consolidated our position in this highly competitive market place. We are going into 2013 on a positive note and we are aiming to increase sales this year by a further 20%.”