The launch of a new range of air-dried ingredients is helping healthy crisp manufacturer Nims Fruit Crisps emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.

The company, which employs 18 people at its factory in Sittingbourne, responded to the dro in Food on the Move demand by accelerating the introduction of its latest Lets Cook and Lets Bake products designed for bars, restaurants and retailers.

Two high-profile restaurant chains are already trialling the 100% natural bespoke ingredients in their dishes as they look to benefit from a more cost-effective option that delivers great taste, improved aesthetics and a longer, 24-month shelf life.

The ingredients are very versatile and can be used to garnish salad, flavour a porridge, or as a main ingredient (in a soup for instance) and products range from the ubiquitous onion and dried ginger to the more exotic sea buckthorn.

The company has invested over £75,000 into machinery and a new production line to help increase capacity and give it the ability to produce smaller pieces and in packaging options ranging from small, sealed packs to 5kg bulk bags.

This latest product was made public a few days after Nims Fruit Crisps was presented with its Queens Award for Innovation by Lady Colgrain, the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent.

She spoke glowingly about the firms workforce, who has kept going throughout the pandemic and the way the company is putting The Garden of England on the map for its healthy crisps, infusions and ingredients.

"Covid-19 and the work from home edict has pretty much eliminated office life in city centres and this has had a massive impact on Food on the Move," explained Nimisha Raja, founder of Nims Fruit Crisps.

"We could either bemoan our luck or try and do something different, taking our expertise in air-dried manufacturing to launch a new range of ingredients for use in the food and drink sector and, hopefully, with independent and high-street retailers."

She went on to add:"The initial response has been great, and we currently have two main ranges – Lets Cook for chillies, courgettes, ginger, mushrooms, peppers and red onion, and Lets Bake to encompass apples, pears, pineapple and strawberries.

"These are really tapping into the major rise in home cooking and baking and, one of the most pleasing things here, is that nothing is off the table, as the air-drying process means we can work with all fruit and vegetables.

"Officially receiving our Queens Award has been a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait. We wanted to make sure our staff were front and centre of celebrations as theyve been pivotal to our growth…and what better time to accept the crystal trophy than a few days after we bring our latest innovation to market."

The launch of ingredients comes on the back of the successful roll-out of its infusions, whichnare ideal for garnishing drinks and infusing water bottles, teas and alcoholic beverages.

It has already sealed ongoing deals with a number of subscription-bases businesses, the event sector and festivals keen to manage costs and reduce waste, whilst passengers on the Eurostar will have enjoyed air-dried slices of fruit with their drinks.

Retailers have started to stock the resealable pouches, with pink grapefruit and kumquat varieties joining lemon, lime, orange, cucumber and grapefruit.

Nimisha added:"The infusions come in packs of 12 to 20 slices, taste great and are a sustainable way of having orange, lemon, lime and other fruit at the ready. There is no waste that you would usually get when using fresh fruit, our slices rehydrate to their original state once added to the drink and are ideal for people who have got their own home bar or are attempting to make new creations.

"Whilst Brexit has caused us a lot of issues, the upside is that many businesses are now looking closer to home when they are sourcing ingredients and their infusions. This is good news for our business and one we want to capitalise on going forward."