Our History
From humble beginnings to the UK’s premium party foodmanufacturer.
Our heritage brand dates back to 1994 when the Dale family, with roots in the Norfolk farming community, diversified from farming to food…initially by baking quiche from a dozen farm eggs.
Innovation and determination established the brand within the foodservice sector and the rest is history.
1994
Frank Dale founded
Jean Dale began making traditional and luxury quiches, fruit pies and tartlets in the late 1980’s having earned an enviable reputation within the local farming community.
Frank Dale was born in 1994 following increased interest from the foodservice sector, starting with the supply of large quiches to wholesalers made with delicious short crust pastry and generous, high quality fillings.
2000
Introduction of pre-portioned quiche
Pre-portioned quiches introduced, making preparation and serving much simpler.
2002
The finger food revolution
We launched 5 traditionally British canapes into the foodservice arena, including a range of mini quiches specifically targeting the buffet market.
2005
The finishing touch
Hand-finished canapés were introduced, establishing a reputation for high quality British miniatures.
2006
Truly British Desserts launched
Our product range expanded with the introduction of Truly British Desserts, including the ever popular Mini Strawberry Scone and Victoria Sponges.
2008
New factory
New Factory, new beginnings as the company moved to our current site in Bunwell, Norfolk.
2009
New canapes launched
We launched a range of canapes into the cash and carry marketplace.
2017
Change of ownership
Frank Dale became part of Finedale Foods.
2018
Growth & innovation
Quality improvements, investment and innovation saw Frank Dale introduce new quiche recipes and launch open bagels and frittata.
2019
Salt reduction
2020
Partnership with Central Foods
Sales and distribution moved to Central Foods to enable better customer service.
2021
‘Food 2 go’ range launch
We launched a ‘Food 2 Go’ range for the UK hospitality sector.
2023
BRCGS AA+ accreditation
Our first unannounced BRC audit saw us achieve a BRCGS AA+ accreditation, the highest possible achievable grade.
Plant-based quiche launched
Following careful development we launched a plant based mini quiche into the UK foodservice and retail sectors.
Removal of black packaging
All black packaging was removed from Frank Dale products resulting in 10 tonnes of black plastic per annum being saved from landfill.
2024
In-house bagel production
In order to elevate product quality, we began production of our own in-house bagels.
New product launch
We launched two new, very exiting products – Puff Tart Selection and Mini Chocolate Cups.
Celebrating 30 Years of Frank Dale
To celebrate our 30th year we have launched new branding, giving us a more contemporary identity and invested in stronger, clearer packaging to make it easier for chefs and caterers to use.