About Tilda
Tilda stands as the UK's leading basmati rice brand, bringing the authentic taste of premium aromatic rice to British consumers since 1970. Now owned by Spanish food giant Ebro Foods, Tilda pioneered the introduction of high-quality basmati rice to the Western world and has remained the gold standard for over five decades. From their state-of-the-art mill in Rainham, Essex, Tilda produces a comprehensive range of pure basmati rice, microwaveable rice pouches, and innovative grain blends that have made the brand a kitchen essential across Britain. The Tilda story began in the early 1970s when the Thakrar family founded the company in London. The name Tilda combines the names of founder's daughters Tila and Daksha, creating a personal legacy that connects to families across generations. At a time when communities from across the world were arriving in Britain seeking authentic ingredients from home, Tilda recognised the opportunity to introduce premium basmati rice to Western consumers. They became the first brand to bring high-quality aromatic basmati to the UK market. Throughout the 1970s, as curry became increasingly popular in Britain, Tilda's reputation for quality rice grew alongside the nation's love affair with Indian cuisine. Consumers discovering authentic home cooking needed quality rice, and Tilda provided the perfect complement. This symbiotic relationship between the rise of curry culture and premium rice cemented Tilda's position as the leading basmati brand in the UK. Growth necessitated expansion, and Tilda relocated to Rainham on the Thames Estuary, building a state-of-the-art rice mill and packing hall that remains the company's home today. This investment in modern facilities ensures consistent quality and the capacity to serve the UK's substantial basmati demand. During the 1990s, success extended internationally with launches in the Middle East and North America, establishing Tilda as a global brand operating in over 50 countries. The ownership journey has seen several transitions. In 2014, Hain Celestial, the organic and natural products company, acquired Tilda. In August 2019, Ebro Foods purchased Tilda for $342 million. Ebro Foods, the Spanish multinational headquartered in Madrid, is the world's largest rice producer and second-largest pasta producer. The acquisition fit Ebro's strategy to build a global benchmark in premium food, with Tilda's basmati expertise complementing their existing portfolio of over 80 rice, pasta, and sauce brands. Today, approximately 92% of Tilda's sales come from basmati rice products, reflecting the brand's core expertise and consumer trust in their quality. The UK remains the primary market, accounting for over 60% of sales, demonstrating the brand's deep connection with British consumers after five decades of presence. The pure basmati range provides the foundation, with dry basmati rice available in various pack sizes from 500g to 10kg bags for restaurants and heavy home users. Pure Basmati delivers the authentic aromatic rice experience, while Brown Basmati offers the wholegrain option for health-conscious consumers. Easy Cook variants provide convenience without compromising quality. Microwaveable rice pouches revolutionised convenient rice eating when Tilda launched them in the 2000s. Ready in just 2 minutes, these steamed rice pouches maintain quality while dramatically reducing preparation time. Flavoured varieties including Pilau Rice, Lime & Coriander, Egg Fried Rice, and Coconut Rice provide complete side dishes. The pouches suit busy weeknight cooking when time is limited but quality expectations remain high. Innovative grain blends expanded the Tilda portfolio beyond pure rice. Combinations featuring quinoa, millet, and rice alongside ingredients like coconut, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and edamame cater to modern nutritional preferences. These blends provide variety, additional nutrients, and interesting textures while maintaining Tilda's quality standards. Kids ranges acknowledge the importance of starting healthy eating habits early, with portion-controlled and family-friendly options designed for younger palates. Tilda products are widely available across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock comprehensive ranges in rice aisles. Convenience stores carry core products. Asian supermarkets offer bulk options. Online grocery platforms provide home delivery. The brand's market leadership ensures excellent availability. When comparing Tilda to competitors like Uncle Ben's (now Ben's Original), Kohinoor, and supermarket own-brands, Tilda leads on basmati authenticity and variety. Ben's Original focuses more on American-style rice and flavoured varieties. Kohinoor provides authentic Indian heritage. Own-brands offer budget alternatives. For premium basmati quality trusted by British consumers for over 50 years, Tilda remains the benchmark choice. For UK consumers seeking the finest basmati rice to accompany curries, biryanis, and everyday meals, Tilda delivers the authentic quality that has made it Britain's favourite rice brand. Whether cooking traditional dry rice or grabbing a convenient microwave pouch, Tilda ensures perfect results. Using Grocefully to compare Tilda prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on premium rice products.