As a family-run ingredients supplier, we’ve seen huge change in food manufacturing — but our standards and commitment to the trade haven’t shifted.
We recently came across a photo of Dad at our very first site in Gosport.
It’s a brilliant snapshot of where Leonards began — a small unit, hands-on production, wooden benches (which definitely wouldn’t pass a modern audit), and a business built on hard work and reputation.
A lot has changed since then.
Factories look different.
Regulations are tighter.
But the fundamentals? They haven’t changed at all.
The Environment Has Evolved
Food manufacturing in the 1980s was a different world.
Today, we operate within strict BRCGS standards, allergen controls, full traceability systems and documented processes. Production spaces are purpose-built, audited and continuously monitored. Hygiene standards are on another level entirely.
And that’s how it should be.
The industry has moved forward — and so have we.
But while the physical environment has transformed, what sits behind it hasn’t.
The Products Remain
Blends like Old English, Lamburger and Original Spicy Kebab have been part of our range for decades.
They’ve been used by generations of butchers.
They’ve been produced in different buildings.
They’ve seen changing trends, new equipment and evolving retail environments.
But their role has stayed the same:
Reliable flavour.
Consistent performance.
Products that work on a butcher’s counter.
We’re proud of that continuity.
The Family Remains
Leonards is still a family business. That original photo isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a reminder of why the business started in the first place.
To supply the trade properly.
To care about the detail.
To build relationships that last.
And those relationships aren’t just with customers.
This year, one of our team celebrates 30 years with Leonards.
Thirty years.
That means they’ve seen the early days. The moves. The growth. The upgrades. The audits. The new product launches. The challenges.
In an industry where change is constant, loyalty like that says something.
It says the culture matters.
Progress Without Losing Identity
We’ve invested in systems.
We’ve strengthened compliance.
We’ve expanded ranges and developed new products.
But we’ve never wanted to become faceless.
That early photo reminds us that behind every blend, every delivery, every conversation — there are people who care about getting it right.
The surroundings may look very different today.
But the family, the standards and the commitment to the trade remain exactly where they’ve always been. So if you are fed up of the faceless come and have a chat with us. Call us on 01825 760262, or fill in the contact box below.
FAQ
What does BRC mean in food manufacturing?
BRC Global Standards are widely used food safety standards that help ensure consistent hygiene, traceability and quality management in manufacturing.
Why do butchers value consistent ingredient suppliers?
Consistency supports repeatable production, reliable flavour and customer trust — especially for value-added products like sausages, burgers and kebabs.