Boostball packs the protein into Canadian consumers

Multi award-winning healthy protein snack business Boostball, has secured a £2 million deal to sell its whole range of protein energy balls, nut butters and powders in Canada.

Founded in 2014, the Essex business will sell its products through the century-old Canadian grocery chain Sobeys from January 2021 and through distributor Grey Jay.

Boostball sales director Francesca Kerr said: “All our protein snacks are made with seven raw cold pressed ingredients, contain key vitamins and minerals and taste amazing.

“We manufacture everything in our Essex factory and adhere to strict health and safety practices which is important to our Canadian customers. Our international trade adviser helped us create an export strategy, strengthen our digital presence and develop our packaging labels in French, which is why we can sell across Canada.

“We are excited about expanding in Canada; these deals are just the beginning as we plan to set up a factory there, too.”

The Department for International Trade helped the business secure Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) funding to attend what is known as the world’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks in February, the ISM trade show in Germany, where it met new customers.

Boostball hired two new staff members after securing the Canada deals and sells in 25 countries with international sales accounting for 15 per cent of its £1 million annual turnover.

Consumers in Canada will have access to Boostball’s low-carbohydrate keto range, already sold throughout the UK in Boots, Holland & Barrett and will launch in another large UK supermarket chain from February 2021.

DIT East of England’s deputy head of trade, Thinley Topden said: “I’m delighted that East of England businesses like Boostball are making great strides in Canada and welcome the opportunities this trade agreement will give to the region’s economy, by helping local businesses export to Canada.

“I would encourage businesses in the East of England to contact our team to see how we can help you discover exciting export opportunities in Canada and elsewhere to grow your business internationally.”

Boostball has five office and nine factory staff and all product packaging is biodegradable or 100 per cent recyclable.