RICH PRODUCTS UK: +44 (0)1329 228000

A Rich History

…of delicious innovation!

We’ve been doing ‘delicious innovation’ for a while now. It all started in Buffalo, USA, way back in 1945, when Robert E. Rich Sr. developed ‘Rich’s Whip Topping®’ – the world’s first non-dairy topping that revolutionised food processing and opened up a new world of non-dairy products to the rapidly growing frozen food industry. With innovation at our core, we then developed a series of new culinary products from frozen éclairs, crème puffs, pies and cakes, to Italian pasta, the finest barbeque and meat products, our renowned seafood specialities and of course, our range of premium bakery products!  

This unwavering passion for high quality, high value food products has allowed us to grow into a truly international business. Serving the UK since 1985, we now supply a wide base of retail and food service customers throughout the food industry, with over 2,300 products, in more than 85 countries. We employ some 6,500 people in 18 different countries and, in addition to acquisitions, our dedicated research and development team continues our fine heritage of food innovation by regularly introducing award-winning frozen and ambient bakery products.

 

A look back at 60 years of innovation...
1945  In the beginning...
Founder Robert E. Rich discovers a vegetable based replacement for whipped cream, derived from the humble soya bean. Upon discovering that this new substance could be frozen, thawed and whipped he developed Rich’s Whip Topping® non-dairy topping. The product, hailed as “the miracle cream from the soya bean” quickly revolutionises food processing and opens up a new world of non-dairy products to the growing frozen food industry, serving as the springboard for a series of ground breaking non-dairy products.
Robert E. Rich Sr. and members of the original workforce
The 50's  The early years...
With the success of Rich’s Whip Topping® firmly established, the company, following a strong commitment to innovation and to satisfying consumer demand, seeks to develop a range of exciting new products. It starts by launching the world’s first commercial line of frozen éclairs and crème puffs. Then, after several months of exhaustive research and development, Coffee Rich®, the first ever frozen non-dairy creamer is produced and distributed right across the US, making Rich’s a household name.
Original packaging for Rich’s Chocolate Eclairs
The 60's  Time to grow...
For Rich’s, the 1960’s are all about growth. Consumer demand for the ever increasing range of innovative non-dairy products escalates at a phenomenal rate and, to meet this demand, a purpose built manufacturing plant is constructed in Canada. Under the name Rich’s Products of Canada Ltd, the company continues to develop additional products. Of particular significance is the acquisition of a leading US baked goods manufacturer which allows Rich’s to introduce a range of frozen baked goods to its product portfolio.
The Rich’s Workforce continues to grow
The 70's  Diversification...
Rich’s continues with its rapid expansion by acquiring a host of production sites in multiple locations, right across the United States. It then diversifies its product range with the acquisition of SeaPak Corporation, a leading provider of seafood specialities. At the same time it builds upon its success in the non-dairy market by introducing Bettercreme® Icing and Filling. With its easy-to-spread nature and impressive shelf-life the product is responsible for revolutionising the cake decorating industry.
A flag raising ceremony at a Rich’s plant opening
The 80's  Continued evolution...
The 1980’s are dominated by two significant product innovations. First there’s Freeze Flo®, an all natural process that allows food to remain soft while frozen or to be served directly from the freezer. Then, On Top® non-dairy dessert topping is launched - the first topping to be packaged in a pastry bag with its own applicator tip. Both products provide the food industry with unprecedented levels of convenience, decorating creativity and cost-efficiency. The company’s expansion continues throughout the decade with further acquisitions that take it into the Italian pasta, barbeque and speciality meat markets.
Rich’s On Top® helps revolutionise the topping business
The 90's  The journey continues...
The focus in the 1990’s is on international expansion. Driven by demand for its products from overseas markets, the company opens 20 sales offices in major cities throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America. It also invests in new production facilities in Mexico, South Africa and China and today operates 11 international manufacturing facilities, employing over 6,500 people and selling its products in over 85 countries worldwide.
Rich’s celebrates 50 years in business
The ‘Noughties’  The Story Continues...
International expansion, diversification into new markets and new product innovations continue. An impressive portfolio of fully finished frozen desserts is added to the ever-growing product range and the research and development team continue to develop award-winning new products. 2005 - Rich’s 60th birthday - “60 delicious years” marked by innovative breakthroughs, an unparalleled dedication to “caring for customers like only a family can” and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Rich’s continues to thrive and in 2009 become the UK Bakery Supplier of the Year.
British Baker of the Year 2009 for Rich Products UK
...and the innovation continues!