Wiltshire Farm Foods is committed to franchising with a real difference
Published: 24 January 2020
Established for more than 25 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods is a highly successful franchise brand that delivers delicious, nutritious and easy-to-prepare frozen ready meals direct to the customer’s freezer. The network is made up of over 80 franchise partners, owning non-competing territories.
Austin Droney, who owns the Bracknell franchise and is one of the longest-service franchise partners in the network, discusses what it is like owning a Wiltshire Farm Foods franchise and how working with the brand makes a real difference to his community.
“When I started the franchise, the whole concept was brand new – all I bought was the postcode with no customers, no business. At its peak, I had 1,000-plus customers per week until I sold off half the franchise. I currently have an average of 560 customers per week.
“I was fortunate enough to buy my franchise right at the start of the concept. In 1995, apetito purchased the brand from Waldens. From my point of view, this was the best thing that could have happened. Due to the level of investment and expertise, it’s now a £100million brand. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that success?”
Working with the local community
The Wiltshire Farm Foods model is based around good old-fashioned service that seeks to make a real difference to the lives of the older population, helping them retain their independence in their own homes. For many, the Wiltshire Farm Foods team are the only people they see or speak to from one day to the next, and the importance of this relationship is key to the success of the business.
Franchising with a real difference
Austin adds: “For anyone considering franchising with Wiltshire Farm Foods, there are so many reasons they should do it. It’s a nationally recognised brand that has been established for 25 years.
“For those looking for a business with a social conscience, Wiltshire Farm Foods, through apetito, has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development for its commitment to conducting business in a way that impacts positively on the environment, society and economy. It also won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2016 for its range of products addressing such issues as malnutrition in the elderly, dysphagia and other specialist dietary requirements.”
If you’re interested in franchising with a real difference, visit the team at The British & International Franchise Exhibition on 31 January and 1 February at Olympia London.
Wiltshire Farm Foods will also be holding its next Insight Day at its head office in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, on 28 February.
