A fruit and vegetable crisps manufacturer has signed a distribution deal set to put its packets in schools, colleges and universities across the country.

Nim’s Fruit Crisps will supply its air-dried apple, pear, pineapple and beetroot and parsnip crisps to Coventry-based Handmade Speciality Products.

So far, it has sold 100 cases in the first four weeks of the agreement, all made at its factory in Sittingbourne where it is able to produce 12 million packs a year.

Founder Nimisha Raja described it as “a major breakthrough deal for our business”.

Its fat, gluten and dairy-free crisp packets have between 39 and 79 calories, made from thin slices of fruit and vegetables.

Handmade Speciality Products, owned by May & Raeburn group, is one of the largest suppliers of individually-wrapped baked goods to the UK education market.

It has also been a listed supplier on the NHS supply chain for the past 18 months.

Ms Raja said: “We now have the opportunity to push our products across both of these networks and will be working with them on marketing activities and attending events, such as the Lead Association for Catering in Education.”