Charlie Bigham, the founder of the premium ready-meal brand bearing his name, has unveiled a new line of luxurious ready meals, priced up to £29.95, as part of a strategic response to the rising costs of dining out in the UK. This move aims to offer consumers a high-quality, restaurant-style dining experience at home, providing an alternative to expensive restaurant meals.
New Product Line: “Brasserie” Collection
The new range, dubbed the “Brasserie” collection, includes five gourmet dishes:
- Venison Bourguignon: Made with wild-caught venison from the Scottish Highlands.
- Duck Confit: A classic French dish featuring slow-cooked duck leg.
- Salmon Wellington: Sashimi-grade salmon fillet encased in puff pastry.
- Coq au Vin: A traditional French chicken dish braised in red wine.
- Beef Wellington: A premium cut of beef wrapped in pastry.
These meals are designed to cater to consumers seeking a special dining experience at home, particularly for weekend meals or festive occasions. The range will initially launch in 70 Waitrose stores across the UK. Some dishes are priced up to three times the cost of Charlie Bigham’s bestselling fish pie, which typically retails at £9.95. (The Guardian)
Market Context and Consumer Trends
The introduction of this premium product line comes amid a broader trend where consumers are increasingly opting to dine at home due to the escalating costs of eating out. Charlie Bigham noted that while dining out has become more expensive, many consumers still desire the experience of a restaurant-quality meal without the associated costs. He emphasized that the new range offers a convenient and high-quality alternative to traditional takeaways. (The Guardian)
Despite economic pressures, Bigham believes that the squeeze on household budgets may be slightly overstated, suggesting that some consumers still have disposable income to spend on premium products. He also expressed concerns about recent changes to inheritance tax affecting family-run businesses, which he views as vital to economic growth. (The Guardian)
Company Growth and Future Plans
Charlie Bigham’s company has experienced strong financial performance, with sales increasing by 8.8% in 2024 and over 14% in the following year. The company distributed a £2.3 million dividend to shareholders, reflecting its robust growth. Looking ahead, Bigham anticipates expanding the product line further, depending on consumer reception. He also plans to introduce an “ultra-premium” range aimed at offering restaurant-quality meals at home, aligning with the company’s ethos of providing high-quality, convenient dining options. (The Times)
In summary, Charlie Bigham’s new premium ready-meal line addresses the growing demand for high-quality, convenient dining options at home. By offering gourmet dishes at competitive prices, the company aims to capture a segment of consumers seeking an alternative to the rising costs of dining out.
Charlie Bigham, the founder of the premium ready-meal brand Charlie Bigham’s, has introduced a new line of luxurious ready meals, priced up to £29.95, in response to the rising costs of dining out in the UK. This move aims to provide consumers with a gourmet dining experience at home, offering an alternative to expensive restaurant meals.
New Product Line: The “Brasserie” Collection
The “Brasserie” collection features five gourmet dishes:
- Venison Bourguignon: Made with wild-caught venison from the Scottish Highlands.
- Duck Confit: A classic French dish featuring slow-cooked duck leg.
- Salmon Wellington: Sashimi-grade salmon fillet encased in puff pastry.
- Coq au Vin: A traditional French chicken dish braised in red wine.
- Beef Wellington: A premium cut of beef wrapped in pastry.
These meals are designed to cater to consumers seeking a special dining experience at home, particularly for weekend meals or festive occasions. The range will initially launch in 70 Waitrose stores across the UK. Some dishes are priced up to three times the cost of Charlie Bigham’s bestselling fish pie, which typically retails at £9.95. (The Guardian)
Market Context and Consumer Trends
The introduction of this premium product line comes amid a broader trend where consumers are increasingly opting to dine at home due to the escalating costs of eating out. Charlie Bigham noted that while dining out has become more expensive, many consumers still desire the experience of a restaurant-quality meal without the associated costs. He emphasized that the new range offers a convenient and high-quality alternative to traditional takeaways. (The Guardian)
Despite economic pressures, Bigham believes that the squeeze on household budgets may be slightly overstated, suggesting that some consumers still have disposable income to spend on premium products. He also expressed concerns about recent changes to inheritance tax affecting family-run businesses, which he views as vital to economic growth. (The Guardian)
Company Growth and Future Plans
Charlie Bigham’s company has experienced strong financial performance, with sales increasing by 8.8% in 2024 and over 14% in the following year. The company distributed a £2.3 million dividend to shareholders, reflecting its robust growth. Looking ahead, Bigham anticipates expanding the product line further, depending on consumer reception. He also plans to introduce an “ultra-premium” range aimed at offering restaurant-quality meals at home, aligning with the company’s ethos of providing high-quality, convenient dining options. (The Times)
Summary
Charlie Bigham’s new premium ready-meal line addresses the growing demand for high-quality, convenient dining options at home. By offering gourmet dishes at competitive prices, the company aims to capture a segment of consumers seeking an alternative to the rising costs of dining out. This strategic move reflects Bigham’s commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences while adapting to changing consumer preferences.