M.A. Oriental Foods Ltd., based in Watford, United Kingdom, is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of authentic Asian and world foods. With over 30 years of expertise in the food wholesale industry, the company has built a formidable portfolio of global brands and a broad client base across retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
M.A. Oriental specializes in sourcing and supplying a wide array of ethnic and mainstream grocery products. Their extensive product categories include:
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Noodles:
- Instant Noodles
- Rice Noodles
-
Sauces & Condiments:
- Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Fish Sauce
- Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce
-
Rice & Flour:
- Jasmine Rice
- Glutinous Rice
- Rice Flour
-
Drinks:
- Coconut Water
- Aloe Vera Drinks
- Asian Fruit Juices
-
Frozen Foods:
- Frozen Seafood
- Frozen Dim Sum
- Frozen Asian Vegetables
-
Snacks:
- Prawn Crackers
- Rice Crackers
- Seaweed Snacks
- Sweet Biscuits
Their product lines serve both the growing multicultural population in the UK and the expanding global demand for authentic Asian cuisine.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
M.A. Oriental stands out through its:
- Exclusive distribution partnerships with some of Asia’s most iconic brands
- Tailored procurement and logistics solutions for restaurants, caterers, and supermarkets
- A highly curated product selection that ensures authenticity, compliance, and consistency
The company has successfully introduced and scaled brands like Samyang, Foco, Healthy Boy, Del Monte, and Amoy in the UK market, establishing itself as a gateway for Asian products to reach European consumers.
Financial Insights
M.A. Oriental Foods Ltd. is a privately held company and detailed financials are not publicly disclosed. However:
- Industry sources estimate the company’s annual revenue exceeds £30 million
- The company has experienced consistent double-digit growth since 2018, reflecting increasing demand for Asian groceries in the UK and EU markets
Shipment Records and Trade Activity
Based on trade data from import/export platforms and government filings:
- M.A. Oriental handles over 1,500 inbound shipments per year from Asia, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea
- Their product distribution spans:
- UK national retailers and independent grocers
- Foodservice and catering wholesalers
- Online Asian grocery stores
The company's customized logistics solutions ensure high rotation of stock and optimal shelf life for frozen and ambient goods.
Target Markets
M.A. Oriental serves:
- Retail chains and independent ethnic stores
- Cash & carry outlets
- Asian restaurants and catering businesses
- eCommerce platforms focused on world foods
Their strategic focus on Asian, Filipino, and Thai communities in the UK provides an enduring demand base, while their brand expansion strategy targets mainstream consumers with growing interest in Asian cuisine.
Operational Capabilities
- Warehousing: The company operates a large-scale storage and distribution facility in Watford
- Frozen, chilled, and ambient logistics: Capable of handling mixed SKU deliveries with dedicated cold chain systems
- Private Labeling: Offers custom packaging and branding solutions for independent retailers
- Digital Integration: Their website supports online ordering for wholesale customers with updated product catalogues and promotion schedules
Certifications and Compliance
M.A. Oriental maintains strict regulatory compliance, enabling it to distribute across the UK and EU:
- BRCGS Accreditation (for storage and distribution)
- HACCP protocols
- UK & EU Import Certification for food safety and labeling
- Vegan, Halal, and Kosher product offerings, based on certification from individual brands
Customer Testimonials
“M.A. Oriental is our preferred supplier for Asian groceries due to their vast range and reliable service. Their frozen dim sum and sauces are staples in our operations.”
— Purchasing Manager, London-based Foodservice Distributor
“They bring in top-quality products and keep prices competitive. Their brand selection is unmatched.”
— Owner, Independent Asian Supermarket, Birmingham
Major Achievements
- Exclusive distributor in the UK for over 15 major Asian food brands
- Successfully integrated multi-temperature warehousing with seamless pick-and-pack operations
- Featured in The Grocer UK for growth in the Asian food sector
- Released a comprehensive digital product catalogue in 2024 with over 2,000 SKUs
- Built a diverse social media presence across Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to engage with younger and multicultural consumers
M.A. Oriental Foods Ltd. continues to shape the ethnic grocery distribution landscape in the UK through strategic sourcing, brand stewardship, and tailored supply solutions—making it a cornerstone of Asian food distribution in the region.