Leeds-based prepared vegetables and salads specialist Troy Foods has won the ‘Judges’ Choice’ award in the National Family Business Awards 2017 which celebrates and recognises the best in British-owned family businesses.
Organised and hosted by Family Business Place, the awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding family businesses throughout the UK. Troy Foods was chosen from hundreds of entrants to be nominated for three awards and went on to take the ‘Judges’ Choice’ title this year.
Established in 1928, Troy Foods is a fourth generation family business. From its humble beginnings as a potato merchant, it has grown into a £40m turnover business employing more than 400 staff as well as up to 200 agency workers in peak seasons. In the 1980s, the company moved into supplying prepared vegetables and now processes thousands of tonnes a year at its Royds Farm Road facility, supplying a selection of prepared vegetables for ready meals and retail packs in the supermarkets.
In recent years, Troy Foods has diversified into processing value added lines such as dressed salads including coleslaw, potato salads and pasta salads as well as mayonnaise and dressings. This operation, based at the company’s Hunslet facility supplies direct to the leading retailers and food service groups.
Last year, the company opened a £2m distribution hub in Stourton Link in Leeds and has also built up its range of own brand prepared salads and mayonnaise.
David Kempley, CEO and owner of Troy Foods, says: “I’d like to thank every member of our great family business – the passion we share for everything we do has shone through and we are proud that we have been put on the map for family businesses up and down the country. We are particularly proud today to see the vision I created for the new Troy 30 years ago surpassing all expectations – well done to everyone who is playing a part in our continued success.”
James Kempley, commercial director, adds: “Our aim has always been to be the best at what we do and this award is further recognition that, thanks to our fantastic team, we are achieving this.”
Anita Brightley-Gillott, awards director, comments: “Not only do family businesses generate billions in taxes and employ over 9m people, they are also some of the most innovative and exciting business around. What’s more, they are businesses of integrity and family values with a long term view for generations to come. We are delighted to see such a long-established and successful family business as Troy Foods recognised in the awards.”
