GOURMET snack maker Tyrrells has acquired an Australian crisp manufacturer in a bid to expand its presence in the region.

The Leominster headquartered company has bought Yarra Valley Snack Foods, which is based near Melbourne and specialises in natural, organic and gluten free products.

The undisclosed deal comes after Tyrrells launched in Australian supermarket chain Coles in April 2014. The country is now its second largest international market after France

Tyrrells chief executive David Milner 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 it’s food manufacturing credentials."

Andrew Blain, managing director of Yarra Valley Snack Foods, added: "The alignment between Tyrrells Potato Crisps and Yarra Valley Snack Foods is positive news for the food manufacturing industry in Australia. Moreover, it represents 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."

Tyrrells is now established in more than 37 countries across the globe, with overseas sales generating about 25 per cent of its turnover.