Family-owned fine food manufacturer and distributor Bramble Foods has opened a new 67,000 sq. ft distribution centre in Market Harborough, a move that is expected to create around 50 skilled jobs and support the company’s continued growth.
Located at Lancaster House on Airfield Business Park, the facility will serve as Bramble Foods’ main national distribution hub, significantly increasing warehousing and distribution capacity as the business expands its portfolio of premium food brands and growing customer base across the UK.
Part of the LDC-backed Bramble Group, which includes Whitakers Chocolates, The Bay Tree and Lings, the business currently employs around 300 people. The new site is expected to support future expansion, with workforce numbers potentially rising to 350 over the coming years.
The facility was officially opened by long-serving employee Steve Heighton, who is celebrating 50 years of service with the company. He joined Managing Director Tony Foster, Finance Director Chris Neville, Sales Director Ken Osborne and Councillor Harrison Fowler, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the occasion.
“Having worked with the Foster family for over 50 years, I’m honoured to have been asked to officially open our new distribution facility,” said Mr Heighton. “It marks another important milestone in what has been a truly enjoyable and rewarding career. Seeing our continued growth and investment in the future and my hometown is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of, and I look forward to seeing what we achieve in the years ahead.”
Airfield Business Park, which was first opened by Leicestershire County Council in 2019, has recently undergone a major expansion, increasing from 81,000 sq. ft. to 190,000 sq. ft. Lancaster House forms part of this latest development phase.
The building’s name reflects the site’s aviation heritage, as it sits on the former Market Harborough Airfield and honours the iconic Lancaster Bomber.
“The opening of Lancaster House marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Bramble Foods,” said Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods. “On top of the additional space, we’re investing in our people, improving the service we provide to our customers and creating the capacity to support the next stage of our journey.
“What makes today particularly special is that the official opening was carried out by Steve Heighton, who is celebrating 50 years of service with our business. Steve embodies everything Bramble Foods stands for – loyalty, commitment and family values – and it’s only fitting that he helped mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter.”
Designed with sustainability in mind, Lancaster House features solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, enhanced insulation and modern construction methods. The facility has achieved an EPC rating of A+ and includes a 50kW solar array expected to generate annual energy savings of between 45,000 and 50,000 kWh.
Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources, added: “It’s really great to see the latest phase of Airfield Business Park open, and it’s particularly good to see Bramble move into a bigger site. Helping to keep them in Market Harborough means they can retain their heritage and means we can see a local business continue to thrive as they go from strength to strength.
“The other new units will also help to support local business, our local economy and generate income for the council which will go directly towards the delivery of our vital services.”
Founded in Market Harborough, Bramble Foods has grown into one of the UK’s leading fine food wholesalers and manufacturers, supplying independent retailers, farm shops, garden centres, delicatessens, visitor attractions and national retailers. The new distribution centre is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase stockholding capacity and support future product development and long-term investment across the group’s portfolio of brands.
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