Brindisa is 20 years old!
In January 1988 Spanish food was all but unknown in the UK. There were a couple of importers of Iberian foods but they dealt almost exclusively with the expatriate Spanish market. Where their food was thought of at all it was negatively associated with garlic and olive oil.
This was to begin to change on the 28th January 1988 when Monika Linton tentatively began to import, and endeavour to wholesale, some foods from Spain.
The key, to what would eventually be something of a revolution in the eating habits of this country, was to approach the market from the highest quality end of the spectrum.
Through perseverance, hard work and passion for her chosen path, Monika was gradually able to assemble a portfolio of products including cheese, charcuterie and olive oil from some of Spain’s finest producers. These showcased the quality that was on offer from the country, an eye opening experience for a new breed of interested chefs and retailers and foodhall buyers.
As these opinion formers began to spread the word about these undiscovered gems the media followed on behind: avid for novelty as always they began to take an interest in this “new” gastronomy and the country that produced it.
This small trickle of information has become something of a flood over the last twenty years. Supermarkets stock Spanish food as standard, eating tapas or “small dishes” has become commonplace and most food wholesalers carry Spanish products on their lists.
Brindisa planted the bellota in this country and a good sized roble is now growing here.
Take a look at our picture gallery to find out more about our 20 years celebration!
About Brindisa
Two decades ago, Monika Linton recognised the potential demand for the finest Spanish foods and ingredients in the British market and today, she heads a mixed Spanish and British team fulfilling that demand.
Brindisa imports the most extensive range of high quality Spanish foods in Britain. It is the aim of Brindisa to select, import and distribute a range of foods from the most respected producers in Spain. It is the carefully nurtured relationship with these suppliers over many years that ensures the confidence in the products that we sell and the continued success of our business. We also source a large selection of well-priced essentials for a competitive Spanish menu or store cupboard.
Along with the great variety of products to be found in our warehouse at Balham in South London, we provide comprehensive information on our producers, their products, production methods and the traditional way of using their ingredients. At present, we stock a number of organic products and continue to expand our range.
As well as serving the top restaurants and specialist shops in the country, we also have two of our own shops and a tapas restaurant.
Trade Customers
If you are a customer wishing to buy our imported Spanish food for your own business, please look at our Wholesale pages where you can view our range and read about how we ensure our products reach you in the best condition and meeting all health and safety requirements.
We offer prospective trade customers the opportunity to taste and experience our extensive range. The warehouse is open from 8am until 4pm Monday to Friday, and there will always be somebody on hand to offer a guided tour, please telephone to make an appointment.
Alternatively, our shop in Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, is open from Monday to Saturday or our stall at Borough Market is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Both stock a wide range of our products, which can be seen on the shelf or tasted at the counter. Please phone in advance to make an appointment at either shop, or just drop in. Our opening times and directions can be found in the Retail pages and the Contact page.
Brindisa Shops and Tapas Kitchens
If you are a member of the public, please choose our Retail pages for information on our shops, or the Dining pages for information on our tapas bars.
The name Brindisa is derived from the Spanish word ‘Brindis’, meaning ‘to raise your glass’ or ‘make a toast’…so a toast to excellent Spanish food and to all who care about it as much as we do!