COST-CUTTING and brand development were a feature of Trigon Snacks’ performance last year.

Directors aimed at making efficiency savings while also promoting the brands which include Planters and Big D peanuts – the latter's campaign being fronted by lads’ magazine favourite Malene Espensen.

The Aintree company experienced a sales surge of 6.4% to £18.2m in a highly competitive market, although this was offset by an 8.3% rise in the cost of raw materials.

Director Brian Cardy said: “The year under review has been satisfactory, given the competitive nature of the snack nut market and the ongoing problem of increased raw material and energy costs. Sterling’s decline against the dollar also was a setback towards the end of the year, although a considerable amount of the requirement had been covered earlier in the year at better rates.

“The group continues to invest in new product development and in the efficiency of its manufacturing operations.

“The benefits of the investment are being realised both through improved productivity and reduced wastage. Price increases were and will continue to be pushed through to cover raw material costs increases.”

Profit before tax was £380,000, compared with a £166,000 loss the previous year.

Measures were taken to achieve cost efficiencies, particularly in relation to further improvements in productivity, wastage reduction programmes and energy efficiency.

Mr Cardy added: “Additional resources were also devoted to sales and marketing activities to enable the group to maintain its sales level.

“Significant marketing expenditure was invested in new brand development during 2008.”

Snacks include peanuts, pork scratchings and cheesey mini-bites.

BARRY TURNBULL