Gordon Rhodes and Son expands seasoning production

22-Mar-2011 - Last updated on 15-Mar-2017 at 14:59 GMT

Investment in a new £150k production line by UK-based Gordon Rhodes & Son will boost production capacity of its bespoke seasonings and mixes by up to 60% and improve customer service, says the company.

A spokesperson for the company told FoodNavigator.com that its recent expansion was down to; “implementation of a new sales strategy [and], working in partnership with processors to design and develop bespoke formulations for use in the meat, fish and ready meal sectors.”

Supported by a collaborative funding package, the company’s new production line is already fully operational and will assist with quality control monitoring, explained the spokesperson, while accurately measuring products and inserting them into containers under strict hygienic conditions. The line is designed “to support the growth of supply to processors with the facility of auto packing bulk bags.”

The move will increase potential capacity by between 30 - 60 per cent during an eight hour shift, depending on the product.

The company is an independent business, supplying large and small processors in the UK and EU markets with bespoke blends of seasonings and mixes produced under its Dalesman trademark. It has invested in key areas of its operations and plans future growth through “continuous research into new markets - including retail and food service, frozen food and health - plus developments and continuity of our customer base throughout the UK, EU and other potential export markets.”

Market view

“Clean label, health and well-being, provenance and seasonality and flavour fusion on an international scale,” are all clear trends identified by Gordon Rhodes & Son. It also reports strong performance for its Desire Range which “meets FSA salt targets and supports the ‘clean label’ requirements... as well as a new range of glazes and coaters for added value meat cuts and vegetable products.”

Western Europe is the second largest market with a 23% share, whilst Eastern Europe is fourth with a 9% share. Forecasts estimate a 1.7 per cent value growth rate in Western Europe (2009-2014), and a slightly higher 2.9 per cent in Eastern Europe during the same period. Overall, meat and savoury products is by far the largest global sector at 36 per cent, followed by snacks (23 per cent), ready meals (15 per cent) and sauces and dressings (10 per cent).