Third generation family business creates foodie hub and customer portal

The third generation leader of a family owned Lancashire based food ingredients business is diversifying and expanding into new foodie markets with the creation of two food portals designed to build stronger links with its customers in the retail trade.

Innovative Food Ingredients, which specialises in the development of quality dry blended spice mixes and rubs, liquid marinades and sauces, has launched the new business units to work more closely with food manufacturers, regional retailers, butchers and farm shop owners.

Part of the modernisation of the business is a new Butchers’ Collective portal for an innovative community seeking to enhance the art of butchery and encourage collaboration. 

Meanwhile, the Taste Creation platform, an addition to the company’s online shop, is targeted at food manufacturers, food development businesses and regional retailers.

The business works with international manufacturers such as Newly Weds Foods (NWF) and AVO, a leading European spice, liquid marinade and sauce specialist.

Innovative Food Ingredients commercial director Chantelle Brennand, who is the third generation of the family in the business, having succeeded her father David Brennand last year. She told TheBusinessDesk.com: “My focus is on establishing the company as the most innovative, go-to food ingredients provider for butchers, farm shops and food manufacturers.  Our aim for 2025 is to quickly grow the membership of the Butchers Collective and work with more retailers and businesses who need customised food product development services. We’ll also continue to source and deliver only the finest ingredients as we want to ensure superior quality and consistency in every product we supply to our customers.”

She said the two new business units are in response to changing purchasing behaviours, diversification and a renewed drive for greater value and taste.

“Food manufacturers, butchers and meat retailers now want to design and market dishes with different continental flavours.  When they are in need of new flavours to extend their ranges, we have the consumer insights, creativity and technical knowledge to make it happen,” she said.

She added that Innovative Food Ingredients has achieved “significant growth” over the last 18 months, with the addition of four more employees to take the headcount to 17, a new senior leadership team, and a rebrand as part of the launch of The Butchers’ Collective and Taste Creation.

The firm has also custom built and designed a modern demonstration kitchen at its headquarters in Poulton-le-Fylde to help showcase its food ingredients solutions and recipes.

The business was formed in 1973 by Tom Brennand as Fylde Butchers Supplies. His sons David and Michael followed him into the business before IFI was established in 2013.

The two new business units have been set up in response to the rapid expansion of the foodie market, with butchers and meat retailers across the UK diversifying what they offer.  More discerning consumer tastes are driving up demand for more distinct, multi-cultural flavours, which Innovative Food Ingredients is bringing to the table with its products.

It will enable the team to conduct its webinars and host food preparation and demo sessions. 

Innovative Food Ingredients acts as a catalyst to bring UK and international food processors, farm shops and retail butchery sectors together to add value and enhance the quality of their product ranges.  Products include oil-based marinades, sauces, crumbs and fillings, plus traditional burger and sausage mixes and seasonings.

As well as supplying traditional family run butchers, grocers, delis and farm shops, it also works with food processors and retailers.