Brighter Foods set for expansion as client demand for bespoke bars grows

Founded in Wales, UK, in 2014 by CEO Robin Williams, Brighter Foods’ portfolio is expanding due to client demand for bespoke snacks, which in turn meant product integrity, including counting the number of bars within a pack, checking the volume per bar, and ensuring the product is not damaged.

Possible contaminants

This was previously a labour intensive, time consuming process for the company and in the event of any defect, the product is now quickly removed from the production line and logged on the system, so Brighter Foods can investigate.

“Loma Systems’ X5C X-ray machine gives us total peace of mind as I now know within each pack we ship there are the correct number of bars, the correct volume and all product is checked for any possible contaminants,​” said David John, engineering manager, Brighter Foods.

Loma Systems’ metal detectors provide a high level of contamination detection, however, as a means of complying with code of practice (COP) stipulations, an increasing number of customers needed even greater checks through the use of X-ray inspection.

This, in addition to recommendations made in their BRC audit, highlighted Brighter Foods should consider further investment in X-ray inspection capability.

Following a full audit of Brighter Foods’ current operation, Loma Systems recommended its X5C, which checks for a selection of contaminants from metal to hard plastics. 

Incorporating an air blast reject system to detect and remove any contaminated product, the system is suited to convenience food, ready meals and small packaged goods.

Low running costs

It also has a simplified inspection feature, plug and play installation and software, and low running costs.

“With the Loma Systems X5C in place this gives us extra confidence the products we ship are to the highest quality and reduced the requirements to complete manual checks. Overall the performance and reliability the X5C delivers has surpassed my expectations and we feel comfortable in the knowledge every bar we ship has undergone quality and safety checks,​" added John.

Brighter Foods began with its brand Wild Trail, and saw over £10m in sales in its first year. By 2017 the team had grown to over 180, and the company was attracting attention from Europe and further afield, including Real Good Food, which has committed to partnering with the company to grow the business.

The multi-award winning company now employs over 150 people with £20m turnover a year.