Charlie Bigham Unveils Luxurious £29.95 Ready Meals for a Gourmet Dining Experience at Home
Charlie Bigham, a renowned British food entrepreneur, is expanding his brand by introducing luxurious ready meals priced at £29.95. This move aims to provide consumers with a gourmet dining experience at home, especially as dining out becomes more expensive.
New Luxurious Ready Meals
The new meal range features five gourmet options, including:
- Venison bourguignon made with wild-caught venison from the Scottish Highlands
- Duck confit
- Salmon wellington filled with sashimi-grade fillet
- Brasserie beef wellington
This product line is designed to appeal to British consumers looking to enjoy fine dining without leaving their homes.
Launch Details
The new range will debut in 70 Waitrose stores this week. Bigham anticipates that some meals will cost significantly more than the previous bestselling fish pie, which was priced at £9.95. He aims this offering at the weekend dining market, suggesting it provides better quality than typical takeout.
Market Trends and Consumer Behavior
Bigham notes a shift in consumer behavior. British households, although feeling financial pressure, are still willing to indulge in premium meals. This contrasts with rising prices at restaurants, where customers often face substantially higher bills.
Financial Performance
Despite economic challenges, Bigham’s company has seen healthy growth. In the year ending August 31, 2024, sales increased by 8.8% to £144.3 million, with pre-tax profits rising by over one-third to £7.7 million. Recent figures indicate even stronger growth, exceeding 14% for the year ending August 2025.
Challenges Ahead
While consumer spending appears resilient, Bigham acknowledges looming challenges from rising costs of ingredients, labor, and packaging. He expressed concerns over new taxes affecting businesses, particularly the eco-friendly packaging initiatives that his company employs.
Wrapping Up
Bigham’s initiatives aim to make high-quality meals accessible in a challenging economic climate. His philosophy underscores the importance of maintaining food quality while also considering environmental impacts.
As his meals roll out in supermarkets, Charlie Bigham continues to position his brand as a premium choice for consumers seeking a fine dining experience at home.
