About Bart
Bart stands as Britain's premier premium herbs and spices brand, bringing over sixty years of Bristol-based expertise to UK kitchens. From humble beginnings selling spices from a garage to supplying major retailers with over 500 products, Bart has pioneered quality and ethics in the British spice market. As the first major UK brand to offer Fairtrade certified spices and herbs, Bart has demonstrated that premium flavour and responsible sourcing can go hand in hand. The Bart story begins in 1963 when husband and wife team Reg and Jo Bartlam founded Bart Prints Ltd. Operating from their garage at home in Bristol, the couple sold spices with passion and personal attention that would define the brand for generations. The entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality laid foundations for remarkable growth over the following decades. The breakthrough came in 1975 when Bart entered its first major retailer, selling Bouquet Garnis to Waitrose. This partnership marked the beginning of a relationship lasting over 45 years, opening doors to the broader UK grocery market. The Waitrose connection provided validation of Bart's quality credentials and enabled the business to expand its range and reach. Growth necessitated larger facilities. In 1983, Bart moved into its first purpose-built factory in Bedminster, in the heart of Bristol. This factory became the company's home for 37 years, supporting expansion of both the product range and customer base. The Bristol roots remained central to brand identity even as national distribution grew. Bart's commitment to ethical sourcing distinguished it from competitors. In 2005, Bart became the first major herbs and spices supplier to bring Fairtrade certified spices to UK consumers. This pioneering move demonstrated leadership in responsible sourcing, ensuring farmers received fair prices for their produce. The company replicated this success in 2011 by introducing the first Fairtrade dried herbs from a major UK supplier. These moves positioned Bart as the ethical choice in premium seasonings. Ownership evolved through two significant acquisitions. Langholm acquired Bart in 2010, maintaining the brand's growth trajectory. In 2017, Bart became part of Fuchs Gruppe, Europe's largest spice producer. The German company employs 2,800 people across eight countries on four continents, bringing global sourcing capabilities whilst preserving Bart's British brand identity. Notably, 90% of Fuchs Gruppe is owned by a charitable foundation that invests in community projects, aligning with Bart's ethical heritage. Today, Bart operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Severn Beach, Bristol, alongside a secondary site in Newbury. The move to modern facilities enhanced sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from stock movement and improving operational efficiency. Combined production exceeds 75 million individual units annually, demonstrating the scale Bart has achieved from its garage origins. The Bart product range spans over 500 items across herbs, spices, seasonings, home-baking ingredients, sauces, and pastes. Premium glass jars deliver whole spices, ground spices, and dried herbs with superior presentation and freshness protection. Spice blends simplify international cuisine - from Indian curry powders to Moroccan ras el hanout, Mexican fajita seasoning to Chinese five spice. Cooking pastes provide authentic flavour bases for curries and stir-fries. Home-baking ingredients including vanilla extracts and food colourings support amateur bakers. The herb range encompasses familiar British favourites like parsley, thyme, and rosemary alongside international selections including za'atar, sumac, and harissa. Quality sourcing ensures vibrant colour and potent flavour whether herbs are Fairtrade certified or conventionally sourced. Beyond the flagship Bart brand, the company provides private label products for most major UK retailers, bringing the same quality to own-brand seasonings. Contract packing services for other leading brands demonstrate industry trust in Bart's manufacturing capabilities. Bart products are widely available across UK supermarkets. Waitrose, the brand's first retail partner, stocks comprehensive ranges. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons carry popular lines. Health food stores and independent delis often stock specialist items. Online grocers provide convenient access to the full range. When comparing Bart to competitors like Schwartz (owned by McCormick), Bart offers equivalent quality with stronger ethical credentials through Fairtrade leadership. Against supermarket own-brands, Bart provides premium presentation and sourcing transparency. The brand occupies the premium tier of mainstream retail seasonings, offering everyday herbs alongside specialty ingredients for adventurous cooks. For UK home cooks seeking quality herbs and spices backed by sixty years of Bristol expertise, Bart delivers flavour, ethics, and variety. Whether you're seasoning Sunday roast or exploring global cuisines, Bart provides the ingredients to elevate home cooking. Using Grocefully to compare Bart prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on these premium seasonings.