SEABROOK Crisps has reported a dip in profits over the past year due to “the quality of the potato crop”.

The Bradford-based business revealed a gross profit percentage drop of 41.8 per cent in its recent financial statement. This was down from 47 per cent in the previous year.

In its financial statement for the year to April 1, 2018, the business reported revenues of £30m, up from £24.5m in 2017 - but costs also increased from £13m in 2017 to £17.4m.This took its toll on operating profit which fell to 11.3 per cent from 14.9 per cent.

In its report, Seabrook highlighted the poor crop as a leading factor for the gross profit percentage drop.

It said: “Issues with the quality of the potato crop affected the majority of 2018, with poorer-than-average yields materially impacting our profitability in the year. Had yields been aligned to historic averages, we would have improved on our 2017 performance. However, given the unexpected and relatively short timeframe over which these issues occurred, we met these costs in full.”

Seabrook produces a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks, from its headquarters in Bradford. Today it produces more than 250 million bags of crisps a year, which are enjoyed by consumers worldwide having successfully entered new markets including the United Arab Emirates, China, France, Spain and Australia.

​The company was acquired by Calbee (UK) Ltd in October, a deal which chief executive Jonathan Bye said was “fantastic for job security and future plans.”

He added: “Calbee have a track record of investing and this will really leverage the potential of the brand.”

The report also showed that input cost inflation had hit its gross profit, as well as “fierce competition”​ in the retail sector.

Seabrook also highlighted some of the successes over the year.

The report added: “The business continued to evolve at pace to meet new challenges, with the year representing another significant development milestone. ​

“As part of that development, we continued our investment programme into our operational capability and infrastructure, obtaining accreditation to supply private-label to the majority of the main retailers in the UK and subsequently securing supply contracts – a first for the business. These private-label contracts, combined with significant branded growth, has driven the increase in revenue. The annualisation of the revenue generated from these additional private-label contracts will only be fully realised in our 2019 results.”​

It also pledged to continue to “invest in our site and infrastructure for the benefit of our brand and our private-label partners”​.