Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd (SQF), based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, is a premier supplier, manufacturer, and innovator of high-quality food ingredients, blends, and mixes. Established in 1968, the company has grown to serve a wide range of foodservice, manufacturing, and retail sectors both in the UK and internationally, with a strong reputation for food traceability, sustainable sourcing, and custom formulation.
Core Business and Operations
SQF operates as a full-service ingredient supplier offering a wide product portfolio across dry food ingredients, seasoning blends, and functional mixes. The company focuses on providing tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of global food manufacturers, catering professionals, and private label brands.
Product & Service Offerings
-
Herbs & Spices:
- Paprika, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Oregano, Parsley, Basil
- Available in whole, ground, and custom blends
-
Dehydrated Vegetables & Fruits:
- Onion (chopped, minced), Garlic, Carrot, Tomato, Apple Dice
-
Savoury Mixes & Seasonings:
- Stuffing Mixes, Soup Mixes, Bouillons
- Dry Sauce Mixes, Marinades, Gravy Bases
-
Sweet Mixes & Baking Aids:
- Jelly Crystals, Dessert Mixes, Baking Powder, Custard Powder
-
Coatings, Crumbs & Functional Blends:
- Breadcrumbs, Cornflour, Batters, Glazes
-
Pulses & Seeds:
- Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Yellow Split Peas, Sunflower Seeds
All products can be customized under private label or bulk formats tailored for B2B industrial clients.
Specialisation and Core USP
- Custom Product Development – Bespoke seasoning and blend solutions tailored to specific manufacturing or menu needs.
- Clean Label & Sustainable Ranges – Full product lines that meet “free-from”, low salt, and allergen-sensitive criteria.
- Sustainability Pledge – ‘Our Earth’ brand offers 100% sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly ingredients.
- Advanced Quality & Traceability Systems – Full supply chain visibility through ingredient sourcing to finished goods.
Financial and Growth Insights
- Sleaford Quality Foods is part of Itochu Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading companies, enhancing global sourcing capabilities.
- Multi-million-pound investments in automation, warehousing, and R&D facilities over the last five years.
- Maintains long-term contracts with major UK food manufacturers, wholesalers, and national retailers.
- Expanded product portfolio with plant-based, salt-reduction, and clean label innovations to address rising consumer trends.
Export & Shipment Data
- Regular exports to markets across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Exports under both branded (Chef William, Our Earth) and private label formats.
- Products compliant with EU, FDA, and global food safety standards, with flexible bulk, catering, or retail packaging options.
Target Market
- Food Manufacturers – Ingredients and blends for ready meals, soups, sauces, snacks, and bakery.
- Foodservice & Catering – Professional kitchens, caterers, and hospitality groups.
- Retail & Private Label – UK supermarkets and international grocers seeking consistent, high-quality branded or white-label products.
- Health-Conscious and Clean Label Brands – Via the “Our Earth” sustainable line.
Infrastructure & Capabilities
- Headquarters and primary production facility located in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, with R&D, warehousing, and packing divisions.
- In-house NPD (New Product Development) team developing over 200+ new SKUs annually.
- Automated blending and packaging lines capable of handling various pack formats (retail, sachets, tubs, bulk).
- Robust logistics and export handling team supporting international distribution.
Certifications & Compliance
- BRCGS Grade AA Certified
- Sedex Member for ethical sourcing
- Organic Certification (where applicable)
- Compliant with ISO 9001, HACCP, Kosher, Halal, Vegan, and Gluten-Free standards
- Strong allergen control procedures and “free-from” manufacturing lines
Customer Testimonials
“Sleaford Quality Foods has been an outstanding partner in our clean-label seasoning range. Their innovation and support are industry-leading.” – UK Ready Meal Manufacturer
“Their flexibility in packaging formats and ingredient transparency makes them an ideal supplier for both our retail and foodservice brands.” – Middle East Food Distributor
Recognitions and Achievements
- Developer of the ‘Our Earth’ sustainability initiative, a product line centered around traceable, eco-conscious sourcing.
- Recognized in The Grocer and Food Manufacture UK for sustainability and innovation.
- Consistent exhibitor at IFE London, Food Ingredients Europe, and other international trade shows.
- Actively involved in food industry sustainability forums and carbon footprint reduction programs.
With a strong focus on quality, transparency, and sustainability, Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd continues to be a trusted partner to some of the UK’s largest food brands while growing its influence as an innovative food ingredient supplier to global markets.
