Charlie Bigham's
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charlie Bigham |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people |
|
Charlie Bigham's is a British brand of fresh ready meals founded by Charlie Bigham.
History[edit]
Charlie Bigham, a former management consultant from London, started the business in 1996. The delicatessens of Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and later Waitrose stocked the meals.[1]
In 2012, Allan Leighton joined the board of directors.[2]
In 2013, Bigham's created "Swish Pie", the world's most expensive ready meal at £314.16, as a publicity stunt. The pie contained lobster, turbot, scallops, smoked salmon and oysters, poached in Dom Pérignon champagne, topped with truffles and a gold leaf crumb, and a side of Beluga caviar.[3][4]
In 2016, Bigham's bought Dulcote Quarry, a disused quarry in Somerset, to build a new factory after outgrowing its premises in London.[5] The first phase of the food production campus was designed by Feilden Fowles and completed in 2017.[6][7]
In 2020, Bigham's became a certified B Corporation.[8]
By August 2020, annual sales had reached £80 million.[9]
In 2021, Bigham's launched a £3 million advertising campaign, including radio and podcast adverts voiced by Richard Osman.[10]
Reception[edit]
The Sunday Times restaurant critic Marina O'Loughlin wrote: "I've never been drawn to this brand – it seemed like a mix of low-rent ready meal and aspirational boujie, invented by someone a bit posh and, um, chinless," but concluded that the lasagne was "delicious".[11][9]
Charlie Bigham[edit]
The eponymous Charlie Bigham studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, before working as a management consultant at Andersen Consulting and ABL.[1] He also owns the Derreen Estate in County Kerry, Ireland.[12]
In 2013, it was reported that Bigham had insured his senses of sight, smell, taste and touch for £12 million. Under the terms of the insurance policy, he was required to avoid dangers such as tasting hot chillies, piercing his tongue or looking directly at bright light.[13][14]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Loizou, Kiki (25 March 2012). "How I Made It: Charlie Bigham, founder of Bigham's". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ "Allan Leighton to join board at Charlie Bigham's". The Guardian. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ "London's 'Swish pie' is world's most expensive". ITV News. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "UK chef creates world's most expensive ready meal – a fish pie costing". The Independent. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ Curry, Rhiannon (16 May 2016). "Ready-made meal producer Charlie Bigham's buys Somerset quarry site for new base". The Telegraph. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Mollard, Manon (8 October 2018). "Ingredients for success: Charlie Bigham's food production campus by Feilden Fowles". Architectural Review.
- ^ Chivers, Hayley (4 April 2023). "Shelf life: Revisiting Feilden Fowles' factory for Charlie Bigham". The Architects’ Journal. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Dawson, Abbie (23 October 2020). "Charlie Bigham's attains B Corp status". The Grocer.
- ^ a b Thomas, Daniel (27 June 2021). "Charlie Bigham aims for bigger slice of ready meal market". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Hart, Jasper (13 April 2021). "Charlie Bigham's launches £3m multimedia spring ad campaign". Better Retailing.
- ^ O'Loughlin, Marina (10 June 2021). "Marina O'Loughlin reviews Il Portico, Kensington". Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Lucey, Anne (3 July 2018). "Dozens sign petition for wooded walk on Beara Peninsula". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Ruddick, Graham (10 June 2013). "Bigham's founder insures his senses for £12m". The Telegraph. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ Smithers, Rebecca (10 June 2013). "Ready meals founder Charlie Bigham insures his senses for £12m". The Guardian.