More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A Paddock Wood company that has its own natural method of extracting hop oil for use in brewing beer is hoping for a big expansion after securing a deal with New Zealand's largest hop grower.
Totally Natural Solutions (TNS) based on the Eastands Estate in Maidstone Road was founded seven years ago by Colin Wilson, a former director with Barth Haas.
It has just signed a deal with NZ Hops Ltd, which Mr Wilson said should triple the firm's turnover to reach £10m within three years and support a heavy investment in staff and systems.
In the first year, Mr Wilson intends to put a £1m of capital expenditure into the business and immediately create five new jobs which will increase staff levels to 25.
Mr Wilson said: “This agreement is part of an exciting growth phase for us.
"Forming a partnership with the leading hop cooperative in New Zealand allows us to apply our knowledge and skills to their diverse and unique range of flavours and aromas. It’s a perfect marriage of technology, expertise and the finest quality raw material.
“We have lots of major developments in the pipeline as an innovator and disruptor in a relatively traditional industry.
"We are establishing new relationships with brewers of all sizes across the world from craft to corporates, and enhancing existing ones. We’re in an ideal position to help address the issue of hop shortages in various parts of the world."
But Mr Wilson was already looking beyond beers. he said: “There are opportunities to way beyond brewers and beers, although that is our core target market.
"For example, our natural hop oil extracts can be used in a range of diverse applications, such as beauty and skin care, gin and other spirits to improve flavour and baking.
“And core to everything we do is sustainability - using extracts reduces water use, beer loss and energy consumption and means every kilo of hops brews more beer.”
Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent
Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells
