About Epicure
Epicure: Quality Store Cupboard Essentials Since 1891 Introduction to Epicure Epicure has been delivering quality ingredients to British kitchens for over 130 years, making it one of the most enduring food brands in the United Kingdom. Founded by the Wood family in London in 1891, Epicure brought food innovation and discovery to Victorian Britain, and continues today as a trusted name for quality tinned foods, condiments, and store cupboard staples. From exotic canned fruits in the Victorian era to today's artichoke hearts, goose fat, and premium lentils, Epicure has evolved whilst maintaining its commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients from producers worldwide. The brand appears in farm shops, delis, supermarkets, and select gift hampers, trusted by cooks who appreciate quality ingredients. At Grocefully, we help you compare Epicure prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can stock your store cupboard with quality products at the best available prices. Whether you're looking for premium tinned vegetables, cooking fats, or speciality ingredients, price comparison helps you find better value. The Epicure Story: Victorian Innovation to Modern Quality Epicure's history stretches back to the reign of Queen Victoria, making it a genuine heritage British brand. Victorian Beginnings Epicure was founded in London in 1891 by the Wood family, emerging during an era of remarkable change in British food retailing. The late Victorian period saw transformation in how Britons shopped for and stored food, with tinned and packaged goods becoming increasingly accessible. The brand originally focused on importing exotic canned fruits and vegetables — products that would have seemed remarkable luxuries to Victorian consumers. These tinned goods offered something previously impossible: access to foods from distant lands, preserved and ready to enjoy regardless of season. The Wood Family Legacy The Wood family business that created Epicure was itself pioneering. During the late 1800s, the company became a trailblazer for the packaged grocery trade: They invested in vehicles with combustion engines rather than horse-drawn carts They became one of the first businesses to install a telephone line between North and South of the River Thames They pioneered repacking bulk goods into small parcels for sales through retail shops This innovative spirit manifested in the 1891 launch of the Epicure brand, which has survived and thrived for over 130 years. Evolution Through the Decades Over the years, Epicure has offered remarkable product variety, covering: Confectionery and tropical fruit Pickles and preserves Canned fish and meat Tea and dried fruit Pepper and seasonings Sparkling grape juice This breadth reflected changing British tastes and the company's willingness to explore new categories whilst maintaining quality standards. Modern Operations The business remains privately owned, though no longer by the Wood family. Current operations continue to prioritise innovation, operating from headquarters in Andover with primary warehousing and logistics facilities. A design and innovation studio operates only 400 metres from the original central London location, maintaining connections to Epicure's heritage. Today's Epicure brand can be found in farm shops, delis, and supermarkets. Products are enjoyed across Ireland and available internationally in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and India. The Epicure Product Range Epicure focuses on quality store cupboard staples — ingredients that elevate everyday cooking and special occasion meals. Tinned Vegetables Epicure's vegetable range reflects the original focus on quality tinned produce: Artichoke Hearts are prepared and ready for use cold in salads or stirred through pasta. These premium hearts offer convenience without compromising on quality. Chopped Tomatoes are gently ripened under the Italian sun, producing sweet, chunky tomatoes perfect for sauces and cooking. Various pulses and beans support healthy cooking, including traditional favourites and speciality varieties. Speciality Beans and Pulses Epicure offers quality pulses beyond standard supermarket options: Bijoux Verts Lentils are selected for their distinct nutty flavour and soft, meaty texture. These premium lentils elevate dishes beyond ordinary dried lentils. Black Beans provide the base for Latin American and Caribbean dishes Black Eye Beans suit traditional British and international recipes Borlotti Beans offer Italian cooking authenticity Cooking Fats Epicure Goose Fat has become a store cupboard essential for serious home cooks: The delicate savoury flavour enhances roasted vegetables It's ideal for making perfect roast potatoes — crispy outside, fluffy inside Traditional recipes benefit from authentic fat choices Goose fat has experienced a resurgence as home cooks discover its superiority over vegetable oils for certain applications. Condiments and Sauces Epicure's condiment range demonstrates commitment to quality: Habanero Chili Mayonnaise is made in small batches, creamy and rich with a fresh chilli kick. This premium mayonnaise elevates sandwiches, burgers, and dipping. Other condiments and sauces provide finishing touches for quality home cooking. Fruit Products Continuing Victorian heritage, Epicure offers fruit products: Fruit Cocktail provides convenient mixed fruit for desserts and cooking Other canned and preserved fruit options suit various culinary applications Quality and Sourcing Understanding Epicure's approach to quality helps appreciate the brand's position. Sourcing Excellence Epicure works with the very best growers and producers across the world, ensuring every product arriving in kitchens meets the finest quality standards. This global sourcing reflects the brand's Victorian heritage of bringing the world's best ingredients to British tables. Over 125 Years of Trust Delivering quality ingredients for over 125 years creates expertise that newer brands cannot replicate. Epicure has learned through generations what constitutes quality in each product category. Innovation Within Tradition Whilst honouring heritage, Epicure seeks new taste experiences using only the finest ingredients and perfected recipes. This balance of tradition and innovation keeps the brand relevant to contemporary cooks. Shopping for Epicure in the UK Epicure products appear across various retail channels. Farm Shops and Delis Independent food retailers appreciate Epicure's quality positioning and heritage story. Farm shops and delis stock Epicure products alongside other premium ingredients. Supermarkets Selected supermarkets stock Epicure products, bringing quality store cupboard essentials to mainstream shopping. Gift Hampers Epicure products appear in select gift hampers, where the heritage branding and quality positioning suit gifting occasions. Online Retailers British Corner Shop ships Epicure products worldwide for expatriates and international food enthusiasts Ethical Superstore stocks Epicure products for conscious consumers British Food Shop provides access to the range Specialist food retailers offer online ordering Wholesale Taste Merchants and other wholesalers supply Epicure to trade customers PW Fine Foods distributes the brand to specialist retailers Leverbrook Export handles international distribution Understanding Epicure Pricing Quality store cupboard products command premium positioning: The Premium Position Epicure costs more than basic supermarket own-brand alternatives. This premium reflects: Selective sourcing from quality producers worldwide Over 130 years of expertise in quality assessment Heritage brand values and positioning Smaller scale than industrial food manufacturers Versus Budget Alternatives Epicure artichoke hearts cost more than basic tinned artichokes. Epicure goose fat costs more than generic cooking fat. The price differences reflect genuine quality distinctions in sourcing and production. Value for Special Occasions Some consumers reserve Epicure for special occasions — Sunday roast potatoes with proper goose fat, special salads with quality artichoke hearts. This occasional premium use delivers memorable results without everyday expense. Store Cupboard Investment Quality tinned goods store indefinitely, making Epicure products sensible store cupboard investments. Buying during promotions and storing for future use maximises value from quality products. Practical Tips for Epicure Shoppers Check Speciality Retailers Independent delis and farm shops may stock Epicure products not found in mainstream supermarkets. These retailers often offer knowledgeable service about ingredient use. Compare Online Options Online retailers serving international markets may offer competitive pricing on Epicure products. Checking multiple sources identifies best current value. Buy for Store Cupboard Tinned and jarred Epicure products store well. Buying extras during good pricing builds quality ingredients reserves. Consider Gifting Epicure's heritage positioning suits food gifting. Individual products or combinations make thoughtful presents for food enthusiasts. Stock Seasonal Essentials Goose fat stocks sell strongly before Christmas for roast potatoes. Buying ahead avoids seasonal shortages and potential price increases. Epicure in British Food Culture Epicure represents a connection to British food heritage: Victorian Innovation The brand emerged during a transformative period in British food culture, when tinned and packaged goods first became widely available. Epicure helped democratise access to quality ingredients previously available only to the wealthy. Generational Trust Used by generations of cooks and food lovers across Britain and around the world, Epicure has created a wealth of recipes and family favourites. This multi-generational use reflects sustained quality. Heritage Meets Contemporary Whilst honouring Victorian heritage, Epicure serves contemporary cooks who appreciate quality ingredients. The brand bridges traditional British food values with modern cooking. Using Epicure Products Practical applications for key Epicure products: Goose Fat Excellence Perfect roast potatoes: Par-boil potatoes, rough up edges, roast in hot goose fat until golden and crispy Roasted root vegetables: Parsnips, carrots, and other roots benefit from goose fat's flavour Confit preparations: Traditional duck or goose confit uses goose fat for authentic results Yorkshire puddings: Some cooks swear by goose fat for the crispiest Yorkshires Artichoke Hearts Cold salads: Toss with leaves, olives, and vinaigrette for Mediterranean flair Pasta dishes: Stir through hot pasta with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan Pizza topping: Add to pizzas for sophisticated vegetable topping Antipasti: Include on Italian-style starter platters Lentils and Pulses Soups and stews: Bijoux Verts lentils add substance and protein Salads: Cold lentil salads benefit from quality varieties Side dishes: Simply dressed lentils complement many main courses Conclusion Epicure's 130-plus-year heritage makes it one of Britain's most enduring food brands. From Victorian London to today's farm shops and supermarkets, the brand has maintained commitment to quality whilst evolving with changing British tastes. For home cooks who appreciate quality store cupboard ingredients, Epicure offers products that elevate cooking from ordinary to memorable. The goose fat that makes perfect roast potatoes, the artichoke hearts that transform salads, the lentils with genuine character — these ingredients justify their premium positioning. Using Grocefully to compare Epicure prices across UK retailers helps access these quality products at the best available prices. While Epicure costs more than basic alternatives, smart shopping ensures you don't overpay for identical products. Over 130 years of delivering quality ingredients represents expertise and reliability that newer brands cannot match. For discerning cooks who understand that ingredients matter, Epicure continues the Victorian mission of bringing the world's finest foods to British kitchens.