Sharwoods Products

Sharwood's stands as Britain's leading Asian food brand, bringing the flavours of India, China, and Thailand to UK kitchens since 1889. Founded by James Allen Sharwood as a wholesale grocery business importing exotic spices and ingredients, Sharwood's has grown from pioneering curry powder distributor to comprehensive Asian food range. Now owned by Premier Foods, the brand remains one of the most trustworthy names in Indian cooking sauces and accompaniments. The Sharwood's story began when James Allen Sharwood established himself as a wholesale grocer on Carter Lane in the City of London from 1888. The business was formally established in 1889, initially importing and distributing specialty foods that were then exotic curiosities to British consumers. This was the Victorian era, when curry was beginning its journey from colonial officers' tables to mainstream British cuisine. A pivotal moment came in 1893 when Sharwood arranged to distribute "Vencat" curry powder in Britain. This famous curry powder from Vencatachellum in Madras blended turmeric from Chittagong, coriander from Kerala, chillies from Orissa, and four secret ingredients. The authenticity and quality of this genuine Indian product helped establish Sharwood's reputation for bringing real Asian flavours to British consumers. J A Sharwood was incorporated as a limited company with capital of £50,000 in 1899. A factory called the Offley Works was established at Vauxhall, enabling the company to move beyond simply importing products to manufacturing its own Asian food range. This British production capability allowed Sharwood's to develop products tailored to British tastes while maintaining authentic flavour profiles. The ownership journey saw Cerebos, a British foods company, acquire J A Sharwood for £982,047 in 1962. Cerebos was then acquired by Rank Hovis McDougall in 1968. When RHM was acquired by Premier Foods for £1.2 billion in 2007, Sharwood's became part of the Premier Foods portfolio alongside other British food icons like Mr Kipling, Ambrosia, and Bisto. Premier Foods, headquartered in St Albans, provides Sharwood's with the resources and distribution networks of a major British food manufacturer. The Premier Foods Group now owns all Sharwood's trademarks, designs, and logos. This backing ensures continued investment in product development and nationwide availability. Sharwood's Indian cooking sauces represent the heart of the brand's offering. Tikka Masala Curry Sauce delivers the classic British Indian favourite - a blend of tomatoes, yoghurt, mild chilli, and cream that has become the nation's unofficial favourite dish. Both regular and 30% reduced fat versions cater to health-conscious consumers who still want indulgent flavour. Korma Curry Sauce provides a milder option with its creamy, aromatic profile. This gentle introduction to curry flavours suits families with children or those preferring subtler spicing. Other curry sauce varieties cover the full heat spectrum from mild to hot, ensuring every curry preference is catered for. The accompaniments range completes the home curry experience. Sharwood's Mango Chutney has achieved iconic status as the essential condiment for curry nights - perfect with poppadoms, naan bread, or as a flavour boost alongside main dishes. The sweet and spicy balance that defines quality mango chutney has made Sharwood's version a kitchen staple. Poppadoms, including Extra Large Plain Poppadoms, provide the essential crispy accompaniment. Naan breads bring restaurant-quality Indian bread to home kitchens. These accompaniments enable consumers to recreate the full Indian restaurant experience without leaving home. Sharwood's curry kits offer a guided approach for less confident cooks. Two-step curry kits provide everything needed for delicious homemade curry with minimal effort. Premier Foods recognises that "many consumers want to enjoy delicious curries at home, without the expense or hassle" - these kits bridge the gap between cooking sauces and takeaway. The Pan Asian range extends beyond Indian cuisine to Chinese and Thai flavours. Stir fry sauces enable quick Asian-inspired midweek meals. Noodles provide carbohydrate bases for stir-fried dishes. Prawn crackers complete the Chinese takeaway experience at home. Product categories span Naans and Breads, Poppadoms, Curry Kits, Cooking Sauces in mild and medium heat levels, Stir Fry Sauces, Noodles, and Chutney and Pickles. This comprehensive range means Sharwood's can serve consumers' complete Asian cooking needs from a single trusted brand. Sharwood's products are widely available across UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose. One Stop and other convenience stores stock key lines. Online grocery platforms provide access to the full range. International demand is served through specialist British food retailers worldwide. Comparing Sharwood's to competitors like Patak's, Blue Dragon, and supermarket own-brand Asian ranges, Sharwood's offers the distinctive combination of 135-year heritage, Premier Foods quality backing, and comprehensive Indian, Chinese, and Thai coverage. Patak's provides strong Indian competition. Blue Dragon focuses on Chinese and Thai. Own-brands offer budget alternatives. Sharwood's breadth across Asian cuisines from one trusted brand provides unique positioning. For UK consumers seeking trusted Asian cooking products from Britain's leading heritage brand, Sharwood's delivers over a century of expertise in bringing Asian flavours home. Whether preparing a classic tikka masala, enjoying poppadoms with mango chutney, or stir-frying a quick midweek meal, Sharwood's provides the sauces and accompaniments to make authentic Asian cooking accessible. Using Grocefully to compare Sharwood's prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's favourite Asian food brand.