Brown Bag Crisps is a family-owned British snack brand based in Shepperton, United Kingdom, specializing in premium hand-cooked potato and vegetable crisps. Founded by husband-and-wife team Phil and Viv, the company has grown from a home kitchen experiment into a nationally recognized gourmet crisp brand, celebrated for its natural ingredients, eco-conscious production, and exceptional flavour profiles. Brown Bag Crisps is now a trusted supplier to premium retailers, cafes, and hospitality venues across the UK and internationally.
Core Business
The core business of Brown Bag Crisps revolves around the production and distribution of artisanal, hand-cooked crisps, made using British potatoes and all-natural seasonings. Key areas of operation include:
- Manufacturing of gourmet crisps in small batches
- Supply to independent retailers, delis, and cafes
- Export to high-end food stores internationally
- Development of new snack flavours and seasonal variants
All crisps are gluten-free, use natural flavourings, and are free from MSG and artificial additives, aligning with current clean-label and health-conscious snacking trends.
Product & Service Offerings
Brown Bag Crisps offers a diverse range of products under its core brand, segmented by flavour category:
-
Potato Crisps
- Lightly Salted
- Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar
- West Country Farmhouse Cheddar & Onion
- Oak Smoked Chilli
- Tiger Prawn with a hint of Chilli & Lime
- Smoked Bacon
- Rosemary & Sea Salt
- Aberdeen Angus Beef & Onion
-
Vegetable Crisps
- Beetroot, Carrot & Parsnip blend
Products are available in both single-serve and family-share pack formats, targeting on-the-go consumers and gourmet snack enthusiasts.
Specialisation and USP
Brown Bag Crisps differentiates itself through its:
- Hand-cooked process that enhances crisp texture and flavour
- Use of sunflower oil and natural seasonings for a cleaner nutritional profile
- Eco-conscious packaging and ethical sourcing practices
- Commitment to small-batch cooking, ensuring quality control and flavour consistency
Their crisps are often stocked by premium retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Selfridges, and independent farm shops, reflecting their position as a premium British snack.
Financial Insights
As a privately owned SME, Brown Bag Crisps does not publicly disclose financials. However, indicators of financial stability and growth include:
- Partnerships with over 500+ independent retailers and cafes in the UK
- Presence in major foodservice supply chains like Brakes and Bidfood
- Growing international footprint in markets such as France, Germany, UAE, and Singapore
Their steady rise in the premium snack sector highlights consumer demand for high-quality alternatives to mass-market crisps.
Shipment and Export Activity
Brown Bag Crisps has expanded its footprint internationally through niche gourmet distributors:
- Export regions include Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia
- Typical export volumes handled via consolidated sea or air freight
- Products meet international labelling and food safety standards, making them compliant for EU and non-EU markets
Target Market
Brown Bag Crisps appeals to:
- Health-conscious snackers
- Premium and ethical consumers
- Retailers seeking artisan and natural snack products
- Hospitality and catering services with a focus on quality offerings
- Export markets looking for authentic British-made gourmet foods
Their versatile packaging sizes make them suitable for both retail shelf presence and foodservice use.
Capabilities
- Hand-cooked crisp production facility in the UK
- In-house recipe development and flavour testing
- Contract manufacturing capability for private label
- BRC-compliant packaging and allergen management systems
- Dedicated export and wholesale logistics
Certifications & Compliance
- BRCGS Food Safety Standard (Grade A)
- Gluten-Free Certified
- Vegetarian Society Approved
- UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) compliant
- Meets EU and international food export regulations
Customer Testimonials
“Brown Bag Crisps have been our top gourmet snack seller. Customers come back specifically for their Oak Smoked Chilli crisps.”
– Owner, Independent Deli in London
“Their range has performed well in our travel retail outlets—great packaging and superb taste.”
– Food Buyer, European Airport Retail Chain
Major Achievements
- Recognised in multiple Great Taste Awards for innovative flavours
- Partnered with British Airways and Virgin Trains for inflight and onboard menus
- Successfully launched Tiger Prawn & Chilli as a market-first flavour in its segment
- Featured in The Times, BBC Good Food, and The Independent as a top UK artisan snack
- Expanded to over 10 international markets within five years of launch
Brown Bag Crisps has become a benchmark for quality and authenticity in the UK's hand-cooked crisp market—continuing to combine small-batch integrity with commercial scalability and global appeal.