PREMIUM crisp brand Tyrrells has notched up a hat trick of entries in a list of the UK's mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

The firm based near Leominster appears at 64 in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, a drop from 38 last year but still one of only two companies in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to make the chart. The other is foster agency Core Assets of Bromsgrove in 195th position.

Tyrrells chief executive David Milner said: "“This is the third year running Tyrrells Crisps has been included in the top 100 Sunday Times International Track 200, and we are delighted our success overseas has been recognised. We began selling Tyrrells in international markets five years ago, and since then the business has grown tremendously. We can now be bought in over 37 countries, including France, Australia and the United States, and our international sales represent 22 per cent of our turnover. We aim to accelerate this growth by spreading the word about our delicious premium English crisps to discerning snack lovers the world over, and also by introducing our wider range of innovation such as Tyrrells Vegetable Crisps and Tyrrells Poshcorn.”

Sixteen companies in the Midlands make the list as against 21 last year and they have made a significant contribution to the regional economy over the last two years. During this time they added 1,850 jobs and now employ a total of 10,510 people. Their international sales have grown by an average of 38% a year over two years to a total of £1.4bn, on combined sales of £2.6bn.