Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

H. Smith Food Group Plc, based in Rainham, United Kingdom, is one of the country's leading foodservice wholesalers and importers, with a core focus on frozen food distribution. The company has built a strong reputation in the UK and international markets for supplying high-quality poultry, meat, seafood, and vegetarian products to a wide spectrum of clients in the food industry.

Brief History

Established over 50 years ago, H. Smith Food Group Plc has grown from a regional food supplier into a prominent national wholesaler and importer. Its longevity and success are rooted in deep industry knowledge, robust supplier relationships, and a commitment to customer service. The company’s evolution reflects the changing dynamics of the UK foodservice sector, with increasing demand for diverse and high-quality frozen food offerings.

Core Business

H. Smith Food Group specializes in the import, wholesale, and distribution of frozen foods. Its operations cover:

• Bulk food supply to the hospitality, catering, and restaurant sectors
• Importation of branded and private-label products from Europe, Asia, and South America
• Distribution across the UK via a well-integrated logistics network

The company offers a comprehensive product range that caters to mainstream, ethnic, and specialty markets.

Product and Service Offerings

The company’s extensive portfolio includes:

• Frozen Poultry:

  • Cooked and raw chicken products
  • Turkey cuts and whole birds

• Frozen Meat:

  • Pork ribs, loins, and bellies
  • Beef cuts including striploin, ribeye, and brisket
  • Lamb shoulders and legs

• Seafood:

  • White fish fillets, prawns, squid, mussels
  • Shellfish including crab and scallops

• Vegetarian Products:

  • Frozen plant-based protein options
  • Meat-free ready meals

• Ethnic and Oriental Food Lines:

  • Specialty items under brands like Dragon 8, Ho Wan, and Wo Fat

The company also offers custom packaging solutions and support for private label products.

Specialisation and Core USP

H. Smith Food Group Plc differentiates itself through:

• A multi-brand strategy serving mainstream and niche markets
• Ability to source globally while ensuring compliance with UK food safety standards
• In-house quality assurance team and long-standing relationships with audited international suppliers
• Robust infrastructure supporting cold chain logistics for frozen food

Financials

As a private limited company, H. Smith Food Group does not publish full financials publicly. However, according to UK Companies House data and Dun & Bradstreet, the company reported revenues exceeding £50 million annually in recent years, with steady growth attributed to diversification and expansion of its ethnic food product lines.

Shipments Data

Based on trade activity recorded by platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza, H. Smith Food Group has handled over 300 international shipments in the last 3 years. Most imports are sourced from:

• China (for seafood and oriental foods)
• Brazil and Thailand (for poultry)
• Netherlands and Germany (for pork and beef)

These shipments service their extensive UK-wide customer base, including wholesalers, caterers, and restaurant groups.

Target Market

The company's primary clientele includes:

• Ethnic and mainstream restaurants
• Fast food chains and QSR outlets
• Foodservice distributors and wholesalers
• Institutional caterers, including schools and hospitals

Their products cater to multicultural demographics across the UK, including Chinese, Indian, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Capabilities

• Purpose-built cold storage facilities with high capacity
• Advanced inventory and order management systems
• Fleet of refrigerated delivery vehicles ensuring nationwide coverage
• Expertise in compliance and documentation for international food trade

Certifications and Compliance Records

H. Smith Food Group Plc operates in full compliance with UK and EU food regulations. They hold:

• BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) certification
• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management
• FSA-compliant traceability systems
• Adherence to Halal standards for selected product lines

Customer Testimonials

The company is known for its high customer retention and positive feedback from the foodservice sector. Though formal testimonials are not widely published, online reviews and supplier references frequently cite:

• Reliable delivery
• High-quality frozen products
• Responsive customer service
• Competitive pricing and range

Major Achievements

• Over 50 years of operational excellence in the UK food industry
• One of the top ethnic foodservice suppliers in the UK
• Developed and successfully launched 7 proprietary brands, including Jiyu, Delightful, and Beijing Gold
• Recognized for supply reliability during COVID-19 supply chain disruptions

With its strategic sourcing model, extensive portfolio, and tailored service capabilities, H. Smith Food Group Plc continues to serve as a vital link in the UK’s food supply chain, providing consistent value to clients across the country and beyond.