Perkier range pic

Perkier’s range of snack bars are available in more than 5,000 stores across the UK, including with Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda

Healthy snack bar challenger Perkier has raked in more than £1m in an oversubscribed crowdfunding round after smashing its initial £400k target.

It closed the campaign on Seedrs with backing from 345 investors, valuing the plant-based brand at almost £4m.

Perkier plans to put the cash to work to accelerate its rapid growth, with a marketing campaign to boost brand awareness, investment in NPD, hiring more staff and in-store activation.

MD Ann Perkins, who founded the business in 2015, said she was “blown away” by the response from investors on the crowdfunding platform.

“We’re on a mission to make the healthiest snacks on the planet. Consumers are bored of snacks that pretend to be healthy, taste like cardboard or green wash their offer.

“This investment will fund digital marketing, instore activation, innovation and recruitment. We’re here to shake up and grow the category.”

Perkier’s range of snack bars are available in more than 5,000 stores across the UK, including with Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda. It is also available online on Amazon, as well as with foodservice giants Compass, Brakes and Bidfood.

The business, which claims its products contain 60% less sugar and 100% more fibre than competitors, also makes protein balls and porridge pots

Retail sales increased 16% last year and have accelerated in 2021, growing 86% in the latest quarter, as consumers continue to seek out healthier snacking alternatives.

Seedrs investment campaign lead Scott Simpkin added: “The Perkier campaign was one of the most impressive performances we’ve seen all year on Seedrs. The brand’s eye-opening growth certainly attracted the attention of some of our larger investors, resulting in Perkier raising 250% above its target.”