Abe’s Real Bagels Experiencing Healthy Growth

MEDIA RELEASE
3rd NOVEMBER 2008

Abe’s Real Bagels Experiencing Healthy Growth

ABE’S Real Bagels Ltd is bucking the international trend of downsizing by expanding on every front.

The Mt Wellington-based company has just taken on more staff to fulfil increased local and international orders for its hugely popular bagels and bagel crisps. The increased orders have also led ABE’S to purchase new machinery from Europe and rent additional storage and production space, effectively increasing their area size by 100% in a year. Sales of their products have increased by more than 40% over the past 12 months.

The growth has occurred despite a down-turn in the local economy which has seen staff made redundant and companies close.

ABE’S Real Bagels director Megan Sargent says she’s aware some manufacturers are feeling the pinch at present but fortunately ABE’S is not one of them.

“If anything, business has never been better. We recently launched a 120 gram skinny pack version of our Bagel Crisps into Woolworths, Australia and they’re literally flying out the door. Just last week we had an order for 17,000 packs which is phenomenal given the economic environment. We began exporting to Australia in March and now supply nearly 700 Woolworths’ stores Australia-wide.

“We are also exporting to Hong Kong and Taiwan but for us Australia is the low hanging fruit and a logical market. We recognise the potential to grow our brand further across the ditch without impacting negatively on our local, loyal markets.”

ABE’S Real Bagels has also just welcomed two new additions to its family – ABE’S Baby Bagels and ABE’S Bagel Bites. The Natural and Rock Salt flavoured Bagel Bites are packaged in individual 15 gram bags and sold in packs of 10. Their packaging makes them a welcome addition to school and work lunches. Their size makes them great for portion control and wonderful accompaniments to salads, soups and dips.

ABE’S Bagel Bites are baked not fried and like their bagel cousins are cholesterol and MSG free with no artificial flavours or preservatives.

ABE’S Baby Bagels are mini-me versions of the popular ABE’S Real Bagel range and ideal for school lunch-boxes and summer entertaining.

The new products are available nationwide through supermarkets.

Commenting further on ABE’S Real Bagels growth Sargent says, “Although the global economy is uncertain at the moment we’re still growing, and while it’s a risk expanding the way we are in this environment, it’s definitely a calculated risk.

“We expect to have grown at least 40% in the year ending March 2009, and project growth to continue by at least the same rate throughout 2009. When the economic climate begins to turn for the better, with our increased capacity we’ll be poised to grow even more.”

ENDS

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