Exhibiting at HRC London 2025 (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering)

• Asian Aromatic Base, Curry Onion Sauce, Korma Seasoning

Each product is designed for ease of use, long shelf-life, and consistent quality, supporting back-of-house efficiency without compromising on taste.

Specialisation and USP

Essential Cuisine’s primary USP is its chef-led innovation model, meaning all products are created in collaboration with professional chefs to ensure practical kitchen application, exceptional taste, and ease of use. The brand is well-known for:

• Free-from credentials: Many products are free from declarable allergens, gluten, or artificial additives.
• Clean-label philosophy: Emphasis on natural ingredients and transparency.
• Halal and Vegan certified lines: Addressing growing dietary and ethical preferences.
• Dry-blend technology: Offers a longer shelf-life and ease of storage.

The company supports education and training initiatives across the industry through chef partnerships and interactive workshops.

Financials and Growth

Essential Cuisine is a subsidiary of Solina Group (France), a global leader in food ingredient solutions with a presence in over 20 countries. Through this partnership, Essential Cuisine has gained access to international R&D resources and expanded export capabilities.

• Revenue (estimated): £18–£22 million annually
• Workforce: 50–100 employees
• Export Market Share: Growing presence in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia
• Retail and foodservice distribution via Bidfood, Brakes, and other major wholesale partners

The company has experienced double-digit annual growth over the last five years, fueled by increasing demand for allergen-aware and plant-based culinary solutions.

Shipment and Export Records

Based on international trade data and export logistics:

• Products shipped to over 15 international markets
• Strong presence in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, France, and Singapore
• Annual exports increased by 28% between 2022 and 2023
• Primary exports include Halal stocks, vegan glaces, and Asian aromatic bases

Distribution is supported by Solina’s global logistics network, ensuring compliance and on-time delivery across regulated markets.

Target Market

Essential Cuisine targets B2B customers in:

• Restaurants and Gastropubs
• Catering Services (Education, Healthcare, Corporate)
• Food Manufacturers and Co-packers
• Hospitality and Hotel Chains
• Airlines and Travel Catering

They also engage with culinary schools, nutritionists, and menu developers for product trials and innovation collaborations.

Capabilities

• In-house R&D led by experienced chefs and food scientists
• Custom product development and flavor consultancy
• Fully compliant UK manufacturing site with scalable production lines
• Allergen-free production zones and quality assurance labs
• Access to Solina’s international application centers and sensory labs

Certifications and Compliance

Essential Cuisine maintains the following standards:

• BRCGS Certified (British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Food Safety)
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
• Halal Certified product range
• Vegan Society Registered for plant-based products
• UK Food Information Regulations (FIR) compliant
• Fully traceable ingredient sourcing and allergen management systems

Customer Testimonials

“The Essential Cuisine range is a game-changer in terms of taste and practicality. It’s rare to find such consistent performance in ambient stock mixes.”
— Executive Chef, National Catering Group

“As a healthcare foodservice provider, allergen-free and consistent flavor delivery is critical. Essential Cuisine delivers on both counts, every time.”
— Head of Nutrition, NHS Trust

Major Achievements

• Recognized by Catering Insight Awards for culinary innovation
• Supplied over 2,000 school kitchens across the UK with allergen-aware products
• Featured in Public Sector Catering Top 20 Power List
• Development partner for UK School Food Standards and LACA
• Expanded vegan range to meet 30% YoY demand increase in plant-based products
• Hosted chef training programs with over 3,000+ UK chefs since 2018

Essential Cuisine continues to lead the culinary innovation space with chef-informed, clean-label products designed to meet the evolving needs of modern commercial kitchens across the globe.