Established in 1998, ASCO Foods Ltd has grown to become one of the United Kingdom’s leading importers and distributors of Asian and Oriental food and beverage products. Headquartered in Amersham, England, the company supplies a diverse range of products to wholesalers, supermarkets, independent retailers, and the foodservice sector across the UK and Europe. With a specialization in authentic Asian food solutions, ASCO Foods serves as a critical gateway between Asian manufacturers and European consumers.
Core Business
ASCO Foods’ core business lies in the importation, marketing, and distribution of packaged and frozen foods, beverages, cooking ingredients, and non-food items from across Asia, including countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. The company partners with over 90 international brands and provides logistics, warehousing, sales, and marketing support to ensure seamless product availability across retail and foodservice channels.
Product and Service Offerings
ASCO Foods boasts a highly diversified catalog consisting of more than 3,000 SKUs across key categories, including:
- Cooking Ingredients: Coconut milk, palm sugar, flavourings, spreads, pickles
- Curry and Chilli Pastes: Thai and Filipino curry pastes, chilli sauces
- Beverages: Asian soft drinks, teas, coffees, and concentrates
- Flours & Cereals: Rice flours, starches, baking mixes
- Frozen Goods: Frozen fish, seafood, desserts, fruits, meats
- Canned Goods: Fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood
- Noodles and Rice: Instant noodles, rice vermicelli, jasmine rice
- Sauces and Seasonings: Fish sauce, soy sauce, dipping sauces, soup bases
- Snacks and Confectionery: Biscuits, sweets, savoury snacks
- Non-Food Items: Kitchen essentials, merchandising materials
These products are marketed under internationally recognized Asian brands as well as ASCO’s own distribution line.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
ASCO Foods distinguishes itself through:
- Comprehensive Asian product portfolio: A one-stop solution for authentic Asian grocery items
- Exclusive UK distribution rights for several premium Asian brands
- Advanced warehousing and logistics infrastructure ensuring efficient distribution
- Multilingual customer service and sales team equipped to support diverse retailer needs
- Strong brand development capabilities, helping Asian brands build presence in European markets
ASCO Foods is known in the industry as the “Asian food specialist” that bridges cultures through food.
Financials and Growth
While ASCO Foods Ltd is a private entity and does not disclose complete financial records, reliable industry benchmarks and insights reveal:
- Estimated annual revenue exceeds £25 million (as of 2023)
- Sales growth rate averaging 8–10% year-on-year over the past 5 years
- Distribution network covers over 1,500 retail and foodservice outlets across the UK and Ireland
- Major retail clients include Morrisons, Asda, Tesco ethnic aisles, and several leading wholesalers
The company continues to invest in digital transformation and ERP systems to streamline operations and support growth.
International Shipments and Trade Data
According to ImportYeti and trade data sources:
- ASCO Foods has executed over 300 international shipments annually
- Imports originate mainly from Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam
- Total import value surpasses £10 million annually
- Frequently imported products include noodles, coconut milk, curry pastes, and sauces
ASCO’s trade footprint demonstrates its robust sourcing capabilities and commitment to maintaining high product availability in a dynamic market.
Target Market
ASCO Foods serves a diverse client base across:
- Retail: Asian grocery stores, ethnic aisles in supermarkets, independent retailers
- Foodservice: Asian restaurants, fast food chains, catering suppliers
- E-commerce: Online ethnic grocers and food box services
- Distributors and Wholesalers: Secondary resellers across the UK, Ireland, and parts of Western Europe
Their products cater to both B2B and B2C segments, with a focus on quality, authenticity, and cultural relevance.
Capabilities
ASCO Foods' operational capabilities include:
- 20,000+ sq. ft. warehouse in Amersham for ambient and frozen goods
- In-house marketing and design team for private label and brand promotions
- EDI-integrated order processing system for efficient B2B transactions
- Multilingual sales force covering major ethnic retail hubs in the UK
- Cold chain distribution for frozen goods and perishables
Their logistics system is designed for same-day or next-day delivery across most regions in the UK.
Certifications and Compliance
ASCO Foods adheres to all UK and EU import regulations for food safety and labeling. Their facilities and product lines maintain:
- BRC Global Standard for Food Safety – Storage & Distribution
- HACCP Implementation
- Full traceability systems for all imported goods
- Compliance with UK FSA allergen and labeling regulations
They also work closely with third-party inspection services to verify product quality and authenticity.
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve worked with ASCO for over 7 years, and they’ve consistently delivered top-quality Asian groceries that our customers love. Their range and service are unmatched.”
— Asian supermarket owner, London
“ASCO helped us launch our Thai ready-meal range with authentic ingredients and a fast supply chain. It’s been a game changer for our menu.”
— Executive Chef, UK Thai restaurant group
Major Achievements
- Sole UK distributor for over 30 top Asian brands including Chaokoh, Mama Sita’s, and Lucky Me
- Featured in UK Government Department for International Trade case studies on successful ethnic food importers
- Regular exhibitors at IFE London, Anuga, and SIAL food trade shows
- Recognized as a key partner by the Thai Trade Centre and Filipino Trade Commission
ASCO Foods continues to lead the way in connecting UK consumers with the vibrant and diverse flavors of Asia, making authentic Asian cuisine accessible, affordable, and consistent in quality.
