Patrick Drake, co-founder, Hello Fresh

Patrick Drake, co-founder, Hello Fresh

Taking home a Grocer Gold award for four years in a row is no mean feat. But HelloFresh has proven a deserving winner yet again this year, having grown operations, launched customer events and ventured into retail.

The recipe box company has focused on developing its UK customer base with the launch of a 200,000 sq ft packing facility this year. The warehouse - which has created 250 new jobs - was set up to create more capacity and customisation.

Customers are already reaping the rewards with a wider selection of eight recipes a week (up from five) and the choice of one-off specials such as the HelloFresh Easter box.

The company has also used its growing footprint to venture into retail for the first time.

HelloFresh Go boxes were launched into 35 Sainsbury’s stores in March with the aim of a full nationwide rollout at a later date.

Face-to-face engagement has been a key priority for HelloFresh over this growth period. The company launched Fresh Talks - a networking event aimed at highlighting and tackling food issues - and customer food and drink experiences at its new London HQ.

Plus, the recipe box company continues to conduct its face-to-face customer focus groups alongside its weekly customer questionnaires, which receive around 90,000 replies per month.

HelloFresh has been keen to give back, too, with the launch of its partnership with London food waste charity The Felix Project.

All the above has resulted in a 100% growth in revenue since HelloFresh’s last Grocer Gold Win in 2016.