Investment, expansion & development
Our company milestones
Since our foundation in 2017, Finedale Foods has grown to become a trusted contract manufacturing partner for a wide range of companies and brands. We continue to invest and innovate while also strengthening existing customer relationships and establishing new partnerships. We are proud of the food we produce, the milestones we have achieved, and the growing list of customers in our portfolio. Take a look at the steps we have taken along the way:
2017
Factory re-opened
We purchased the business & assets of Frank Dale Foods Ltd. and the factory re-opened in March of that year.
Quiche range launch
We successfully launched a range of individual quiche into a national retailer in Republic of Ireland.
2018
Launched a range of children’s frozen snacks
2018 saw the launch of a range of children’s frozen snacks, sold in Tesco, Sainsbury, and M&S.
Implemented a number of factory upgrades
We implemented a series of factory upgrades including blast freezing, tray washing, depositing line and a new pastry mixer.
2019
Purchased the freehold for the factory
The purchase of the freehold for the factory and surrounding land gave us stability along with future expansion opportunities.
Launched mini pie range
In 2019 we launched a very successful mini pie range into the UK cash & carry sector.
Purchased Deli Santé
Following the purchase of Deli Santé Foods Ltd – artisan delicatessen supplier of premium tartlets, quiches, pies and patisserie – we moved all production to our current site.
Launch of children’s egg product
Nationwide launch of children’s egg-based snacking product into Sainsbury’s.
2020
Launched Frank Dale home delivery
We launched Frank Dale’s online direct to consumer range for home delivery so consumers could still enjoy our mini canapés during the pandemic.
Low risk production extension
We extended the low risk production area to facilitate dough production and installed a dough prover and egg glazer.
Installed an enterprise-wide ERP system
The new Enterprise resource planning system ensures production flow management on a single platform and allows us to optimise our supply chain.
Launch of party range for national retailer
We launched a range of frozen party food for a national retailer.
2021
‘Food 2 go’ range launch
We launched a ‘Food 2 Go’ range for the UK hospitality sector.
New encrusting machine
Installed a compact high-performance encrusting machine to fulfil specific customer requirements.
Launch of chilled party food range
We launched a Christmas range of chilled party food for a national retailer.
2022
Scaled up large quiche production
Due to Peakhouse Foods Ltd. ceasing trading we took the opportunity to scale up our production of large quiche formats to fulfil demand.
Large factory investment
A large factory investment provided a brand new cooling tunnel and an additional blast freezer, which allowed us to increase factory capacity and reduced freezing times.
New additions to the team
In order to improve hygiene standards we insourced the factory cleaning function for the first time.
2023
BRCGS AA+ Accreditation
Our first unannounced BRC audit saw us achieve a BRCGS AA+ accreditation, the highest possible achievable grade.
Improved employee benefits
Our enhancement of factory staff pay and conditions saw us raising guaranteed working hours, overtime and holiday pay. We also provided staff with on-site English lessons to develop and further improve their language skills to help them on site and in day-to-day life.
Further factory upgrades
We further upgraded our production facility which included a new power supply to facilitate future expansion.
Launch plant-based quiche
Following careful development we launched a plant-based mini quiche into the UK foodservice and retail sectors.
Removal of black packaging
All black packaging was removed from site resulting in 10 tonnes of black plastic per annum being saved from landfill.
100% in-house recruitment
2023 was the first full year of 100% in-house recruitment meaning we didn’t rely on agency or temporary workers.
2024
In-house bagel production
In order to elevate product quality, we began production of our own in-house bagels.
New product launch
Two new very exciting Frankdale products were launched – Puff tart selection and Mini Chocolate Cups.
Factory waste now recycled
Through our partnership with Agri-Connect, our liquid and solid waste is now being disposed at an anaerobic digestion plant, five miles away, and is used to create energy to power local homes.
Product development kitchen upgrade
The upgrade to our product development kitchen gives us greater capacity to create, develop and enhance new products with our partners.