A CHEF turned snack creator is hoping to impress the judges of The Press Business awards with his new venture.

Jason Lloyd, who is entering the New Business of the Year category, founded Snackminster after returning to the UK having worked for celebrity chef Kylie Kwong in Australia.

Mr Lloyd said: “I started Snackminster with one mission in mind - to make people smile with awesome craft snacks.

“We only produce snacks that we want to eat ourselves. It just so happens that heaps of other people love them too.”

Snackminster’s flagship flavour is spiced nuts with smoked paprika, cumin, fennel and sesame seeds.

The business sell is products direct to consumer via its online store, as well as in bulk to pubs, delis and shops, and has just launched a pop up stall at the Shambles Market. Since launching in May this year the business has already enjoyed 350 sales.

Mr Lloyd said: “The potential for future growth is fantastic. British consumers prefer artisanal produce over mass-produced rubbish.

“The craft food trend is growing, and Snackminster plans to grow with it. As well as the pop up stall at the Shambles Market in York, I intend to heavily pursue the wholesale route.”

As well as entering The Press Business Awards Mr Lloyd is hoping for recognition for Snackminster in the Delicious Yorkshire Taste Awards. He says he also plans to enter the Great Taste Awards next year and the Virgin Startup Foodpreneur 2018 competition, so” watch this space”.

Mr Lloyd, who runs the business from his home in York, said: “The business was first launched to friends and family. My theory was that if the product is awesome enough, sales will grow through word of mouth. So far this strategy has proved extremely successful.”

As well as launching the pop-up shop at the Shambles Market, Mr Lloyd plans to growth the Snackminster brand and the awareness of its products through collaborations with local food bloggers and artisan producers.