Ingredients manufacturer benefits from new factory

Reportedly the largest spice production facility in India, the new site has a capacity of 24,000m tonnes a year and is the only integrated spice facility – from drying to milling – in the world.

Sleaford managing director James Arnold described the opening of the new facility as a game-changer for the company, saying it would provide sustainability at all stages of the production process.

“Spices will be harvested, farmed, dried and processed on-site and the plant has the capability to produce 100% steam-sterilised products,”​ said Arnold.

Seasonings and core ingredients​

Founded in 1968 by Arnold’s parents, Sleaford specialises in the supply of more than 650 dried and dehydrated food products, including seasonings and core ingredients. It also owns the Chef William foodservice brand.

In March, Sleaford moved to a new eight-acre site to meet growing demand for its dried fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

The occupation of the site on Woodbridge Road in Lincolnshire, formerly the location of agricultural tillage and seeding equipment firm Great Plains, had to be completed quickly in order to minimise the impact on production and the effect on the customer supply chain.

Meanwhile, last month, the ingredients supplier appointed Clare Bullivant as category buyer​​, responsible for the procurement of a range of raw material categories for the business.