| Metcalfe's Food Company | |
| Type: | Private |
| Foundation: | 2010 |
| Location: | London, England |
| Industry: | Retail |
| Products: | Snack foods |
Metcalfe’s Food Company was a privately owned food business set up in 2010 by Julian Metcalfe, the founder of the sandwich chain, Pret A Manger, and Robert Jakobi. Metcalfe’s Food Company sold products under two brands Metcalfes Skinny and itsu [grocery].[1]
Metcalfe’s Food Company was founded in 2009 by Julian Metcalfe.[2]
Robert Jakobi introduced chocolate covered edamame to the UK market in 2010 and sold them initially under his own ‘Pod bites’.[3] He sought a bigger platform for the product and merged ‘Pod bites’ into Metcalfe’s Food Company and become the Managing Director in October 2010.
The company enjoyed a compound annual growth rate of over 200% in revenues between 2011 and 2014.
In 2015, the company split into two brands. 'itsu grocery' became a part of the itsu business and Metcalfes Skinny became a standalone business.
In January 2016, the Diamond Foods brand Kettle Chips purchased a 26% stake in Metcalfe's Skinny Popcorn.[4]
In December 2013, Metcalfe's Food Company were featured as one of ten ‘Ones to Watch’ in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100. The Fast Track 100 ranks the fastest growing privately owned companies in the UK.
In April 2014, Robert Jakobi along with Julian Metcalfe were named as London & South finalists for the 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award is considered one of the world’s most prestigious business awards and is held in more than 145 cities and in more than 60 countries worldwide.
In May 2014, Metcalfe’s Food Company were announced as one of the winners of The Santander Breakthrough 50 Awards. The awards celebrate the UK’s top 50 most exciting fast-growth companies.
In December 2014, Metcalfe’s Food Company were ranked at number 4 in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.