Food Heroes Reports on Delayed Planting and Variable Yields
It has been a tough year for potato growers, with wet weather complicating both harvesting and planting processes. “The new potato season is running a bit late as planting was delayed due to a wet spring. On the whole, the main season should be fine, however, some of the later plantings will suffer a poorer yield. We are contracted over a wide geographical area, so as a business, we will not be affected,” said Simon Martin from Food Heroes.
Food Heroes, a specialty food and branding business, supplies the food service industry through wholesalers, caterers, and retailers. Simon Martin elaborated on their operational strategy: “As a company, we grow potatoes ourselves as well as back British growers, contracting others to grow potatoes for us. Our dedicated and valued grower base has enabled us to have a consistent quality of supply of our products which are sold on characteristics such as taste and cooking quality, not by specific variety.”
The Food Heroes team is a family business that includes Chef Pierre Koffmann. Under his direction, they have developed a premium brand offering superior taste and suitability for potato and vegetable products, both fresh and quality prepared frozen products. “We work closely with growers to develop varieties, select the best regional soil variations, and maintain strict conditioning and storage regimes. State-of-the-art packing and handling facilities enable us to offer the best tasting and suitable for purpose products available on any given day and season. Celebrity Chef and Koffmann disciple Marco Pierre White is now also on board and has worked closely with the team to develop a range of Retro products under the Food Heroes umbrella, now available through our wholesale channels,” Martin added.
Food Heroes has made significant strides since its launch. “We are extremely proud that within four years since launching, the Food Heroes branded ranges have become the Chefs No.1 go-to brand in the UK. Our premium customers include Gordon Ramsay, Tom Kitchin, Soho House, The Ivy, Harrods, and Manchester City, to name just a few. The group has grown substantially in the past two years, and the current turnover is more than £150 million. We are excited for continued growth and development in 2024-25 with the introduction of new brands and product lines, including condiments and stocks, plus much more, as well as the launch of The Food Heroes On the Road, our branded catering trucks serving food at events nationwide.”
