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Gourmet Partners Brand Builders partners with award-winning Bistro Chef to grow premium frozen meals in the UK

Updated: Jan 13

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Bistro Chef, an award-winning, chef-led frozen food brand redefining premium dining at home.


This collaboration strengthens our portfolio with a high-performing frozen meals brand that combines outstanding flavour, strong values, and proven consumer appeal — creating a compelling opportunity for independent retailers across the UK.




A growing opportunity in premium frozen meals


Home dining continues to be one of the UK’s most influential food trends, with shoppers eating out less but still seeking indulgent, restaurant-quality meals at home. According to Speciality Food Magazine, home dining is now a top five consumer trend, driving sustained growth in premium frozen food  .


As consumers look for better alternatives to takeaways and time-consuming scratch cooking, premium frozen meals are increasingly recognised as a smart, high-value solution. Bistro Chef sits squarely at the heart of this shift.




What makes Bistro Chef different?


Bistro Chef delivers chef-crafted frozen meals that offer restaurant-quality flavour, generous portions and premium ingredients — without compromise.


Developed by Chef Christophe Lacroix and cooked in small batches by experienced chefs, the range brings authentic bistro-style dishes into the freezer, suitable for both mid-week convenience and special-occasion dining.


Key features of the Bistro Chef range include:


  • Over 40 premium frozen SKUs across mains, sides, soups and desserts

  • Two clearly defined tiers:

    • Main Range – comforting mid-week favourites

    • Signature Range – restaurant-style dining at home


  • Larger portion sizes and significantly higher protein content than key competitors

  • A particularly strong fish range and distinctive flavour profiles rarely found in frozen

  • No unnecessary additives or preservatives

  • Suitable for oven or microwave cooking



Award-winning frozen meals retailers can trust


Bistro Chef’s quality and consistency are reinforced by an impressive and growing list of industry awards, providing strong reassurance for both retailers and consumers.


Bistro Chef's award-winning pack: 8 of their best selling dishes.


Great Taste Awards

  • 2★ Gold – Shepherd’s Pie (2025)

  • 1★ Gold – Moussaka Classique (2025)

  • 1★ Gold – Chicken Chasseur (2023)

  • 1★ Gold – Beef Bourguignon (2022)



Taste of the West Gold Awards 2025

  • Lasagne Classique

  • Coq au Vin

  • Smoked Haddock Linguine

  • Pommes Sarladaise



These accolades firmly position Bistro Chef as a trusted, award-winning premium frozen brand, helping retailers drive trial, confidence and repeat purchase.



Why Bistro Chef works for independent retailers


For independent retailers, farm shops and delis, Bistro Chef performs as a premium anchor brand within freezer displays.


It bridges everyday convenience and special-occasion dining, supporting both repeat sales and higher-value purchases. The range delivers excellent value compared to takeaways, while maintaining a clear premium positioning that shoppers understand and trust.


Retailers benefit from:


  • Strong award-backed credibility

  • Clear premium price justification

  • Cross-selling opportunities across ranges

  • Flexible freezer formats, including branded freezer solutions




Supporting distributors and retail rollout


Gourmet Partners Brand Builders will be actively supporting Bistro Chef's distribution partners, supporting regional and national rollout into independent retail.


To ensure strong sell-through, our Brand Support Managers will be on the road working directly with retailers through:


  • In-store tastings and sampling

  • Product education and brand storytelling

  • Building brand awareness and driving consumer trial

  • Supporting opening orders and ongoing sales performance


This hands-on approach ensures retailers are fully supported beyond initial listing and positioned for long-term success.




A shared vision for premium food retail


This partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality, flavour and commercial performance. Bistro Chef aligns seamlessly with Gourmet Partners Brand Builders’ mission to help standout food brands grow sustainably within the UK speciality retail sector.


With award-winning products, strong consumer demand and the continued growth of premium home dining, Bistro Chef represents a standout opportunity within the frozen category.




Interested in stocking Bistro Chef?


Contact Gourmet Partners Brand Builders to learn more about opportunities, tastings and retailer support. Request samples, pricing, or a trade pack

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