Natco Foods is a heritage British food brand specializing in the sourcing, processing, packaging, and distribution of South Asian and world foods. Established in 1961, Natco Foods has grown into one of the UK’s leading suppliers of lentils, spices, nuts, flours, and other authentic ingredients essential to Indian, Pakistani, and global cuisines. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, Natco has earned a loyal customer base both in the UK and internationally.
Brief History
Founded over six decades ago, Natco was established to serve the needs of the South Asian diaspora in the UK. What began as a small import business has evolved into a vertically integrated operation with state-of-the-art facilities, including cleaning, milling, roasting, and packing plants. The company is headquartered in Buckingham, United Kingdom, and is part of the Westmill Foods Group, under the umbrella of Associated British Foods plc.
Core Business
Natco Foods' primary business is the wholesale and retail distribution of ethnic foods, particularly Indian staples. The company operates across multiple segments including:
- Retail: Natco-branded products available in supermarkets and independent stores across the UK and Europe
- Wholesale: Supplies bulk ingredients to restaurants, caterers, and ethnic wholesalers
- Private Label: Contract packaging and white-label services for large retailers
Product and Service Offerings
Natco Foods offers an extensive range of food products across various essential categories:
-
Lentils & Pulses
- Red Lentils, Green Lentils, Brown Lentils, Chickpeas, Moong Dal
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Spices
- Whole and ground varieties: Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala, Cardamom, Cloves
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Nuts & Dried Fruits
- Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Raisins, Figs
-
Flours
- Gram Flour (Besan), Rice Flour, Chapati Flour, Multigrain Atta
-
Poppadoms
- Plain and spicy variations for home frying or ready-to-eat
-
Chutneys & Pickles
- Mango Chutney, Lime Pickle, Mixed Pickle
All products are available in consumer-friendly packs as well as bulk quantities for foodservice.
Specialisation and Core USP
Natco's core strengths lie in:
- Authenticity and trust built over 60+ years
- In-house cleaning, milling, roasting, and blending facilities ensuring complete quality control
- Sourcing from long-term global suppliers, including India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Africa
- Offering both halal-certified and vegetarian options
Their dedicated spice blending unit ensures consistent flavor profiles tailored to UK and EU palates.
Financials
As a part of the Westmill Foods division under Associated British Foods plc, Natco benefits from a strong financial and operational backbone:
- Parent company Associated British Foods reported group revenue of £19.8 billion in 2023
- Natco contributes significantly to the group’s ethnic food division, with products listed in major retail chains such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons
- The company maintains a high market share in ethnic food ingredients in the UK
Shipment Data
- Products are exported across Europe, North America, and the Middle East
- HS codes for key categories include:
- Pulses and lentils: 0713
- Spices: 0904, 0910
- Flours: 1101, 1103
- Participates in consolidated and bulk shipments via sea and land freight
Target Market
- Retail Consumers: Home cooks, South Asian households, health-conscious shoppers
- Foodservice Industry: Restaurants, caterers, and takeaways
- Retail Chains & Ethnic Grocers
- International importers seeking authentic South Asian ingredients
Capabilities
- High-capacity automated packaging lines for small and bulk formats
- Advanced quality testing labs and food safety protocols
- Capable of producing bespoke blends and mixes for private label clients
- Distribution through own network and national wholesalers
Certifications and Compliance
- BRC Global Standards Certified
- Halal Certification for applicable products
- Sedex Member – supporting ethical and responsible sourcing
- Compliant with EU food safety regulations and UK FSA requirements
Customer Testimonials
Natco Foods is consistently rated highly for:
- Product quality and cleanliness
- Authentic taste and aroma
- Value for money and reliable availability
With numerous mentions across recipe blogs, ethnic food forums, and supermarket reviews, Natco is frequently cited as a go-to brand for authentic home cooking.
Major Achievements
- Over 60 years of continuous operation in the UK market
- Recognized as one of the top South Asian food brands in the UK
- Supplier to leading supermarket chains and online grocery platforms
- Participation in community engagement initiatives, including support for food banks and cultural events
Natco Foods continues to uphold its mission of delivering authentic ethnic foods with integrity, taste, and reliability. With a strong heritage, global sourcing network, and modern manufacturing, it remains a staple name in households and kitchens across the world.
