TYRRELLS Crisps is heading down under with its first international buy.

Established as the UK’s fastest growing hand-cooked premium crisp brand, Tyrrells, based at Stretford Bridge, near Leominster since 2002, has acquired Yarra Valley Snack Foods – an Australian snacks business.

This is the first time Tyrrells, as a brand, has acquired an international business and located production outside the UK.

No figures for the buy have been confirmed.

Tyrrells is aiming to strengthen its current growth rate – averaging 20 per cent year-on-year sales growth in the last three years.

The Yarra Valley acquisition sets the scene for  significant growth plans for the brand both in the UK and globally.

Yarra Valley, based near Melbourne, has proved itself in the Australian snacks market with a focus on natural, organic and gluten free products.

Exactly two years after Tyrrells’ sale to Investcorp in August 2013, and fifteen months since Tyrrells crisps launched in Australia, this expansion pitched by the company as an opportunity to “ accelerate the international growth” of the Tyrrells brand.

Following the launch of Tyrrells in Coles supermarkets in April 2014, Australia is now Tyrrells' second largest international market after France.

Now established in over 37 countries worldwide, Tyrrells global presence accounts for approximately 25 per cent its turnover.

An Australian presence also offers a base from the brand can explore opportunities throughout Asia.

David Milner, Tyrrells CEO said:

“This acquisition demonstrates that we are serious about international expansion for the Tyrrells brand.

"Our hand-cooked crisps have been extremely well received in Australia, where consumers value well-made food with provenance.

"From working with family farms through to sourcing the best tasting, natural ingredients, we’re delighted to be expanding in a market famous for food manufacturing credentials”.

Andrew Blain, Managing Director of Yarra Valley Snack Foods said  the alignment between his company and Tyrrells represented a “strong vote of confidence” in the innovative work already being done by Yarra Valley Snack Foods.

“We are extremely excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working with the team at Tyrrells.”

Tyrells currently has six crisp flavours are available in Australia including: Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Mature Cheddar & Chive, Sunday Best Roast Chicken, Barbecue and Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper.