A total of 27 food and drink producers were identified in this year’s London Stock Exchange (LSE) list of 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.
The report identifies the fastest-growing and most “dynamic” small and medium businesses across the UK, with companies growing at 70% per year – up from 50% last year.
Featured on this year’s list were pie maker Higgidy, ready meals manufacturer Charlie Bigham’s and crowdfunded brewer Brewdog. See the full list below.
Commenting on the announcement, Charlie Bigham’s said it was honoured to be recognised among the fastest growing SMEs in the UK.
‘Increasingly important to the economy’
“Enterprise and SMEs in the UK are increasingly important to the economy and our business is continuing to demonstrate impressive growth,” it added.
“We are excited for the year ahead, which will see our new facility opening in Somerset to further our development and bring delicious food to even more households in the UK.”
This year’s list named 58 food and drink companies, including retailers and suppliers – down from the 74 that appeared last year.
Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, worth £21.9bn to the economy.
Higgidy co-ceo James Foottit told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We’re delighted to be recognised by the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.
‘Enduring British food brand’
“Our continued growth has been driven by a focus on quality and innovation, as well as an extensive brand renovation programme which we believe will not only re-energise the category in which we operate, and ultimately help us to achieve our aim of becoming an enduring British food brand.”
LSE ceo Xavier Rolet said the report highlighted the dynamic, entrepreneurial and ambitious businesses that were boosting UK productivity and driving economic growth.
“The strength and diversity of these companies is readily apparent with a broad mix of UK regions and sectors represented,” he said.
“These companies are the very heart of an ‘anti-fragile’ economy: more robust; more flexible and less prone to boom and bust. We must ensure we continue doing all we can to support high growth potential businesses like these.
Food and drink producers on this year’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report
- Charlie Bigham’s – prepared meals
- Higgidy – pies and pastries
- Brewdog – brewery
- Belvoir Fruit Farms – drinks manufacturer
- Shepley Spring – bottled water
- HK Foods – chicken processor
- Bevisol – alcoholic beverages
- Fever Tree – drinks manufacturer
- Windmill Organics – organic food
- Tomlinson’s Dairies – dairy producer
- Geary’s Bakery – bakery manufacturer
- 3V Natural Foods – free-from food and drink
- Elmgrove Foods – meat processor
- Artisan Finnebrogue – meat processor
- Sedalcol – grain neutral alcohol producer
- The bread factory – artisan baker
- KK Fine Food Company – prepared meals
- Orchard Valley Foods – cakes and cake decorations
- Laila’s Fine Foods – prepared meals
- Best Foods – frozen fruit and vegetable supplier
- Chapel Down – alcoholic drinks
- Princes Gate – bottled water
- Pakeeza – yogurt drinks
- Ace 4 Kebabs – Kebab meat producer
- Bowman Ingredients – ingredients manufacturer
- Pipers Crisps – crisp manufacturer
- Hydes – brewery