Our HISTORY
At Samworth Brothers, we are immensely proud of our heritage. For over 125 years, we have been producing delicious food that people up and down the country enjoy, while also building a reputation for high quality standards and working in long-term partnership with our customers, suppliers and partners.
Since 1896, our family business has continually evolved. What started as a one-man pig dealing firm founded by George Samworth, is today one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers. Along the way, we have added capability in many different product categories, and developed a thriving business with our retail customers, alongside the brands that we own.
1896
George Samworth starts his own business
1950
Frank Samworth buys TN Parrs
1969
Pork Farms is purchased
1971
The business is floated as Pork Farms plc
1973
Family builds its first ‘own label’ bakery
1977
Ginsters is purchased
1978
Pork Farms is sold to Northern Foods
1985
The company changes its name to Samworth Brothers
1986
Long established Walker & Son of Leicester is acquired
1992
Dickinson & Morris is acquired
1992
Westward Laboratories established
1993
Bradgate Bakery established
1996
Walkers Deli & Sausage Co established
1998
Melton Foods established
1998
Samworth Brothers Distribution established
1999
Tamar Foods established
1999
Kettleby Foods established
2003
Saladworks established
2003
Samworth Brothers wins Leicestershire’s ‘Business of the Decade’ award
2009
David Samworth receives a knighthood for services to charity
2013
Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge fundraising total reaches £1 million
2013
Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund is launched
2014
Iconic malt loaf brand Soreen is acquired by the Group
2014
Bradgate Bakery expands with the building of Bradgate Bakery – Ashton Green
2017
The Group acquires West Cornwall Pasty Co
2017
Oak Meadow opens its doors as the new home for Samworth Brothers Supply Chain
2019
The Group acquires Manton Wood, a leading supplier in the Food-to-Go area producing a combination of sandwiches, wraps and rolls
2022
The Group acquires Higgidy, the premium pies and quiche brand
2022
The Group purchase a majority share within Food-to-Go company Freshways, who are based in Ireland
2023
Ginsters unveils new product packaging
2024
The Group acquires the Real Wrap Co. to further strengthen its Food-to-Go offering
1896
George Samworth starts his own business
1950
Frank Samworth buys TN Parrs
1969
Pork Farms is purchased
1971
The business is floated as Pork Farms plc
1973
Family builds its first ‘own label’ bakery
1977
Ginsters is purchased
1978
Pork Farms is sold to Northern Foods
1985
The company changes its name to Samworth Brothers
1986
Long established Walker & Son of Leicester is acquired
1992
Dickinson & Morris is acquired
1992
Westward Laboratories established
1993
Bradgate Bakery established
1996
Walkers Deli & Sausage Co established
1998
Melton Foods established
1998
Samworth Brothers Distribution established
1999
Tamar Foods established
1999
Kettleby Foods established
2003
Saladworks established
2003
Samworth Brothers wins Leicestershire’s ‘Business of the Decade’ award
2009
David Samworth receives a knighthood for services to charity
2013
Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge fundraising total reaches £1 million
2013
Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund is launched
2014
Iconic malt loaf brand Soreen is acquired by the Group
2014
Bradgate Bakery expands with the building of Bradgate Bakery – Ashton Green
2017
The Group acquires West Cornwall Pasty Co
2017
Oak Meadow opens its doors as the new home for Samworth Brothers Supply Chain
2019
The Group acquires Manton Wood, a leading supplier in the Food-to-Go area producing a combination of sandwiches, wraps and rolls
2022
The Group acquires Higgidy, the premium pies and quiche brand
2022
The Group purchase a majority share within Food-to-Go company Freshways, who are based in Ireland
2023
Ginsters unveils new product packaging
2024
The Group acquires the Real Wrap Co. to further strengthen its Food-to-Go offering