Beal’s Farm forging sustainable future for British charcuterie with Innovate UK support
East Sussex-based Beal’s Farm is revolutionising the UK’s charcuterie market with its award-winning premium Mangalitsa pork products. With bespoke business growth support from Innovate UK, this artisan business has achieved notable growth, equipping it to broaden its reach, build industry partnerships both in the UK and overseas and drive revenue. Beal’s Farm has since achieved a 43% increase in product sales, expanded its client base to include 10 Michelin-starred establishments and secured an innovation grant to drive sustainable farming practices.
Beal’s Farm, located at the heart of Eridge Park Estate in East Sussex, is home to Mangalitsa pigs that roam freely through acres of woodland, foraging for natural food. With just five pigs per acre, it produces exceptional pork known for its marbled, creamy fat and rich, flavourful meat.
“This natural environment contributes to the important factors of socialisation within the herd, ensuring happy pigs which all adds to the quality and flavour of our raw meat source for our charcuterie,” says Melissa Masters, Managing Director of Beal’s Farm.
“Our methods ensure that consumers enjoy our products while supporting ethical farming practices that are good for both the land and the animals.”
Strengthening business foundation
Innovate UK Business Growth started working with Beal’s Farm in August 2023. Innovation and Growth Specialist, Monika Dunkel, developed a tailored action plan, focusing on building the business’s core value proposition, securing funding and navigating regulatory pathways for internationalisation.
Melissa explains: “This guidance played a critical role in helping our team successfully apply for the Farming Innovation Programme grant, securing £43,000 of Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) funding as part of a £56,000 project to drive agricultural innovation within our company.”
The grant, delivered in partnership with UK Research and Innovation’s Transforming Food Production Challenge, marked Beal’s Farm’s first experience with grant funding. With advice and guidance from Monika and an agri-tech specialist from Business Connect, Beal’s Farm managed to tailor and improve its application.
Facilitated through Innovate UK Business Growth, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) supported Beal’s Farm in navigating international markets and establishing partnerships. This included introductions to potential collaborators, such as a Belgian sausage casing manufacturer. These connections have streamlined production and opened up new opportunities for growth in European markets.
Melissa adds: “Overall, Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been crucial in allowing us to scale sustainably, while keeping our commitment to animal welfare and delivering exceptional premium products.”
Boosting sales and securing prestigious partnerships
Since receiving Innovate UK Business Growth support, Beal’s Farm has experienced a substantial boost in sales, with a 43% increase in product sales in 2024 compared to the previous year, as well as a 42% rise in website sales. This expansion is not only enhancing the company’s market presence but also generating interest among renowned clients, including a rise in Michelin-starred customers from three to ten.
Melissa concludes: “The collaboration with Innovate UK Business Growth has been invaluable, not only in helping us scale our operations but also in driving the sustainable farming practices that are at the heart of our business. Their support has given us the confidence to innovate and lead in the industry.”
Bright future for sustainable growth
Beal’s Farm is undertaking an 18-month feasibility study on agroforestry, supported by the Farming Innovation Programme. This research aims to evaluate and promote sustainable pig-rearing practices that contribute to biodiversity and carbon capture.
Looking ahead, Beal’s Farm is well-positioned to further its expansion in the UK and beyond. The support has paved the way for the business to scale effectively, and the farm is now planning to create an additional position by hiring an apprentice to manage increased demand.
The success of Beal’s Farm is also contributing to the broader UK economy. By driving growth in the premium charcuterie sector, the business is supporting local supply chains, creating skilled jobs and demonstrating leadership in sustainable farming practices.
Its focus on quality and sustainability positions Beal’s Farm as a key player in enhancing the UK’s reputation for ethical, high-quality food production, with a positive impact on both the economy and society.
The collaboration with Innovate UK Business Growth has been invaluable, not only in helping us scale our operations but also in driving the sustainable farming practices that are at the heart of our business.
– Melissa Masters, Managing Director of Beal’s Farm