Ramsden International - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Ramsden International is a leading UK wholesale exporter dedicated to making an extensive range of British grocery brands available globally. With a commitment to a "customer-first" approach, the company aims to simplify the import process and provide total supply chain solutions to its diverse international clientele. Founded in 1946 and evolving into a third-generation, family-owned enterprise, Ramsden International has transformed from a mere export wholesaler into a value-added service provider, leveraging its deep market understanding and extensive product portfolio to achieve its goal of doubling business size and cementing its position as a global leader in British food and drink export.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Customer-First Approach: To prioritize customer needs by offering a diverse product range and extensive service to simplify the import process.

Global Leadership: To be recognized as a global leader in providing British grocery brands.

Value-Added Service Provider: To evolve beyond traditional wholesale by offering comprehensive supply chain solutions.

Business Growth Target: To double the size of the business through strategic expansion and market penetration.

Market Specialization: To understand individual market needs and provide tailored advice to customers.

Specialization Areas

Ramsden International specializes in the export of British food and drink products, offering over 25,000 distinct items. Their expertise lies in providing end-to-end supply chain solutions, which include:

Logistics management

Data compliance

Relabelling services

Ingredient translations

Category management

They provide a unique value proposition by simplifying international trade complexities for their customers across diverse markets.

Target Markets

The company serves over 650 customers across 133 countries worldwide. Ramsden International maintains an international sales presence in key regions, including Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, and the UAE, ensuring in-country sales personnel possess local market knowledge to effectively serve these markets. Their focus extends globally, with significant demand noted from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

As a third-generation, family-owned business, Ramsden International has not sought external funding to grow. The company operates on a "no stock model" through its partnerships, which contributes to its financial independence.

Financial Performance

Ramsden International, operating as S D Ramsden & Co Limited, reported revenues of £41.9 million in 2022, representing a 12.6% increase compared to the previous year. This marked a recovery from a revenue slump exceeding 20% in 2021. The company returned to profitability in 2022, securing a pre-tax profit of £86,000, a significant turnaround from a £1 million pre-tax loss in 2021. Further growth in profitability was forecasted for 2023, indicating a positive financial trajectory.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Ramsden International offers an expansive product portfolio of over 25,000 British grocery brands. The core service revolves around making new, innovative, and bestselling UK grocery brands available globally.

The company's primary services include:

Product Export: Facilitating the distribution of a wide array of British food and drink products worldwide.

End-to-End Supply Chain Solutions: Providing comprehensive services encompassing logistics, data compliance, and order consolidation.

Product Reprocessing: Operating a reprocessing facility in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, for efficient product relabelling and custom packaging.

Customization Services: Offering ingredient translation services and bespoke custom labels in any language to meet specific customer and market requirements.

Online Ordering System: A simple and robust online platform for customer order placement.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Ramsden International leverages technology to deliver a complete, end-to-end supply chain solution. Key aspects of their technological framework and capabilities include:

Proprietary Supply Chain Solutions: Development and utilization of a comprehensive system for logistics, data compliance, relabelling, ingredient translations, and category management.

Reprocessing Facility: A dedicated facility in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, equipped for efficient product relabelling and order consolidation from various suppliers.

Online Ordering Platform: A user-friendly and robust online system designed to streamline the ordering process for customers.

Technical and Traceability Systems: Implementation of robust systems within their supply chain to ensure product integrity, responsible sourcing, and compliance with international standards.

Digital Customization: Capabilities for ingredient translation services and the creation of bespoke custom labels in any language, supporting global market adaptability.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Sean Ramsden MBE:

Position: Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Professional Background: Graduate of Cambridge University, alumnus of Harvard Business School OPM programme.

Notable Achievements: Awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year's Honours for services to International Trade. He serves as a Non-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce and a Trustee-Director of the Institute of Export and International Trade.

Key Contributions: Spearheads the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives, fostering global trade relationships.

LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-ramsden-mbe-5727631/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-ramsden-mbe-5727631/)

Akhtar Zahid:

Position: Managing Director

Professional Background: Previously Head of Global Foodservice at Ornua and Head of Strategy and Business Development for DAL Food in the Middle East and Africa.

Notable Achievements: Appointed to the newly created position of Managing Director in May 2019, overseeing day-to-day wholesale operations.

Key Contributions: Emphasizes a long-term business view and expertise in navigating complex international trade.

LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhtar-zahid-746a5111/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhtar-zahid-746a5111/)

Kirsty Cooper:

Position: Commercial and Supply Chain Director

Professional Background: Holds senior sales and marketing positions at Capri-Sun, Coca-Cola, and Britvic.

Notable Achievements: Appointed to the newly created role of Commercial and Supply Chain Director in May 2019.

Key Contributions: Responsible for the end-to-end delivery of products, leading buying, category, marketing, and supply chain functions.

LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstycooper1/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstycooper1/)

Jeremy Michael Threadgold:

Position: Director

LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-threadgold-4886b627/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-threadgold-4886b627/)

Recent Leadership Changes

In May 2019, Ramsden International significantly strengthened its management structure. Akhtar Zahid was appointed to the newly created role of Managing Director, taking charge of the day-to-day wholesale operations. Simultaneously, Kirsty Cooper joined as the Commercial and Supply Chain Director, overseeing commercial, buying, marketing, and supply chain functions. These strategic appointments enabled CEO Sean Ramsden to dedicate more focus to strategic opportunities and long-term company growth.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Ramsden International maintains a workforce of approximately 95 to 100 employees, with the wider S D Ramsden & Co Limited having under 250 employees. The company is actively on a growth trajectory, with ambitious plans to double its business size. They demonstrate a strong commitment to talent development by offering a graduate scheme designed to foster careers in the export industry.

The company prides itself on a diverse and multi-lingual workforce, with employees collectively speaking 27 different languages, which is crucial for effective global communication. Ramsden International emphasizes supporting and investing in employee growth, offering various training programs and wellbeing benefits, and promoting an inclusive work culture.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Ramsden International maintains an active and strategic presence across various social media platforms to engage with its audience, promote its brand, and share industry insights.

LinkedIn: Over 5,900 followers, used for professional networking, company news, and thought leadership.

Instagram: Over 570 followers and more than 800 posts, showcasing products and company culture visually.

Facebook: Over 640 followers, used for community engagement and brand messaging.

Twitter/X: Also maintains a presence for real-time updates and industry discussions.

The company's digital messaging consistently highlights company achievements, awards, market trends in British grocery, and new product offerings. They leverage these platforms to position themselves as experts in the British food and drink export sector and to foster community engagement.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Ramsden International has garnered significant industry recognition and over 100 business awards since 1998, underscoring its excellence in international trade.

The Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade: Received in 2004, 2009, and 2012, acknowledging sustained growth and dedication to exporting British brands.

The Grocer Gold Award for Exporter of the Year: Awarded on multiple occasions, including in 2021, and shortlisted in 2023, recognizing leadership in the export sector.

FDF Exporter of the Year Award: Recognized in 2015 and again in 2023 by the Food and Drink Federation.

Sean Ramsden MBE: The founder and CEO, Sean Ramsden, was personally honored with an MBE in the 2020 New Year's Honours for his outstanding services to International Trade.