Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Crown Foods Ltd., based in Lymington, United Kingdom, is a trusted and long-established supplier of frozen and chilled food products to the UK foodservice industry. Founded in 1991, the company has grown into a leading provider for schools, pubs, restaurants, healthcare, and leisure operators. With over three decades of industry expertise, Crown Foods delivers innovative, high-quality food solutions tailored to evolving consumer tastes and dietary needs.

Core Business & Product Portfolio

Crown Foods specializes in the development, sourcing, and distribution of frozen and chilled food products with a strong focus on protein-based and meat-free items. The company’s diverse portfolio includes:

• Chicken: Breaded chicken fillets, nuggets, goujons – popular within the education and quick service sectors.
• Fish: Breaded and battered fillets, fish fingers – sustainable seafood options for schools and healthcare.
• Meat-Free: Vegetarian burgers, sausages, and plant-based options to address the growing demand for flexitarian diets.
• Party Food: Appetizer and buffet items such as mini chicken kievs, spring rolls, and tempura prawns.
• Seafood: Prawn twisters, scampi bites, and seafood party trays.
• Cooked & Frozen Meats: Sliced and diced meats ready for foodservice use.

Their brands include Simply—a versatile foodservice brand offering everyday value—and WAT Kitchen, a ready meal brand that brings Asian street food flavors to modern retail consumers.

Specialisation and Unique Strengths

• Foodservice Expertise: Tailored products for school catering, healthcare, and hospitality segments.
• Product Innovation: Regularly develops products aligned with nutrition standards, consumer trends, and allergen guidelines.
• Bespoke Sourcing & Branding: Works with international manufacturing partners to create exclusive products.
• Nutritional Compliance: Offers solutions in line with government nutrition guidelines for education and healthcare.

Crown Foods sets itself apart by not only distributing food products but co-developing them with partners to ensure suitability for specific meal occasions and operational needs.

Financial Performance

As a privately owned company, specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. However, available industry reports and market presence indicate:

• Consistent growth in UK public sector contracts, especially in education catering.
• The Simply brand is listed in over 2,000 UK schools and academies via foodservice distributors.
• Regular product innovation and contract renewals have secured the company's steady business performance within institutional markets.

Export and Shipment Data

Crown Foods operates primarily within the United Kingdom, focusing heavily on national foodservice supply chains. While international exports are minimal, the company imports extensively from selected partners in Europe and Asia, engaging in co-manufacturing relationships.

• Over 350+ product lines sourced across global suppliers.
• Known to use refrigerated container shipping for key import routes.

Although export data is limited, Crown’s operational model hinges on agile sourcing and UK-based redistribution.

Certifications & Compliance

Crown Foods adheres to stringent safety and quality regulations:

• BRC Global Standards (via third-party manufacturers)
• School Food Standards compliance
• Halal-certified products available across categories
• Allergen labelling and Natasha’s Law adherence for clear consumer communication
• Red Tractor & MSC-certified options for responsible sourcing

Crown also actively engages with partners to ensure that supply chain transparency and environmental commitments are met.

Market Positioning & Target Audience

The company strategically targets:

• Education Sector: Primary and secondary school caterers
• Healthcare: Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities
• Hospitality & Leisure: Pubs, casual dining, theme parks
• Retail (select items): Via convenience food brand WAT Kitchen

Crown Foods positions itself as a solution-driven supplier that understands catering demands, budget constraints, and customer nutrition policies.

Operational Capabilities

• Head Office & Distribution Center in Lymington with chilled and frozen logistics.
• Partner Manufacturing Model: Product development and quality managed in-house with contract manufacturers overseas.
• Dedicated Product Development Team: Focused on food innovation and dietary reformulation.

Their nimble sourcing model allows fast adaptation to supply trends, dietary changes, and food legislation shifts.

Recognitions and Achievements

• Regular supplier for major UK contract caterers such as Chartwells, ISS, and Aspens Services.
• Award-winning brand WAT Kitchen featured in The Grocer and listed in UK retail outlets like Co-op and Nisa.
• Recognised for innovative food education programs and supporting healthy eating initiatives in schools.

Testimonials

Long-standing clients in the education and healthcare sector have praised Crown Foods for its reliable supply, nutritional integrity, and innovative foodservice solutions. Testimonials often cite Crown's proactive approach to reformulation and allergen transparency.

With deep foodservice roots, a solutions-based mindset, and consistent compliance with the UK's highest food standards, Crown Foods remains a go-to partner for institutions seeking reliable, nutritious, and value-driven frozen food products.