To date, Osem UK is the leading importer and distributor of kosher foods, and one of the leading companies in the marketing and distribution of special ethnic foods throughout the British Isles.

In the early 1950s Osem was already responding to requests from the Jewish Community to supply them with a range of tasty kosher products, and began to export its products to England. In 1959, in a move that required a great deal of vision, daring and even some Israeli chutzpah, Osem set up Osem (London) Ltd. (the name was later changed to Osem UK) as an English branch of the parent group in Israel. Working throughout the British Isles, the English branch began importing and distributing the most popular Osem items at the time, including noodles, soups, and at a later stage also snacks and baked goods. Over the years, the company also added products from other Israeli and European manufacturers to its product range.

Already active in the kosher market, Osem UK also managed to find a way into the hearts, and stomachs, of consumers who had no link with Israel, other than happenstance. Over the years, Osem UK developed a special rapport with buyers in leading department stores and supermarkets in Britain, including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsburry and Morrison. As a company committed to the highest standards of quality, Osem managed to sell its unique products to these chain stores which marketed them under their own label. In addition, the company also specialized in the special-needs markets where it filled a niche for gluten-free products, low calorie products, etc.

Once Nestlé-Osem became involved, and thanks to Osem UK’s foresight in specializing in the ethnic market, the company won the right to import and distribute Nestlé’s ethnic products (the Maggie product series) among the Indian, Chinese, Caribbean, and Muslim communities in Britain.

Between the years 1995 and 2000, Osem UK acquired four small companies, two of which specialize in frozen and chilled goods and two more businesses specialize in the ethnic market. This move helped to reinforce the company’s status and strong position in both the kosher and ethnic markets.

Osem UK employs an extensive professional team to handle marketing, sales, storage and distribution, and they work day and night to strengthen the link with the customers.

Osem UK has a fleet of trucks and two distribution centers which also include dry, cooler and freezer storerooms. One distribution center is located in North London, and the other is near the city of Manchester in the North of England. In addition, Osem UK employs two big sub-contractors to handle distribution to the chain stores. The first sub-contractor deals with Marks and Spencer, while the second one deals all other chain store deliveries.