Our History

Humble Beginnings

From a base in London, United Kingdom, we began life as L&M Canned Goods, supplying UK retailers and distributors with imported canned food products.

As the UK market and consumer evolved, we moved beyond canned goods into frozen food and rebranding as L&M Food Group, signalling a broader ambition. The 1970’s also brought our first endeavours in export, trading into Europe and the Far East.

We took our first step to becoming a truly multinational business, opening an office in Minneapolis, USA with a primary focus on exporting protein from the US. We also launched imports of frozen fruit and vegetables to the UK.

Going Global

We expanded into mainland Europe with a team in the Netherlands, sourcing produce from the former Eastern Bloc, primarily for Western European markets.

In recognition of our growing strength and ambition, Norwich Union (Aviva) acquired a 19% stake in Lamex. Norwich Union would hold this stake until 2005.

Acquired the Moorland poultry factory in Newby, UK and established Newby Foods, strengthening our raw and cooked protein capabilities.

A year of major international growth, with new bases opening in Brazil, Thailand, Poland, and Spain. These operations were focussed on strengthening our global reach and network.

Strategic Growth

A management buyout gave equity to nine working shareholders, securing our future direction.

Opened offices in Ireland, Russia, and Tianjin China, followed by a second Chinese base in Shanghai to meet rising demand from this burgeoning market.

Expanded our fruit ingredient and juice divisions in the USA, with the goal of becoming an industry leader in the US market.

Launched Lamex Agrifoods, focused on non-protein categories like IQF fruit and vegetables, juices, purees, concentrates, and honey. The Miami office was opened and became the base of Agrifoods US.

Strategic acquisitions in Serbia and Greece, forming Mondi Lamex and Alterra Lamex, established Lamex as a producer of IQF fruit and fruit purees.

Acquisition of Kappers Foods BV in the Netherlands strengthened our protein portfolio and grew our global customer base.

Opened Lamex AgriAlimentos in Mexico, streamlining non-protein operations. We also acquired TK Horns in Germany, forming Lamex Horns.

Recognising a gap in the market, we established a distribution business in Monterrey, Mexico. This business merged with Lamex AgriAlimentos to become Lamex Mexico.

Expanded into the Southern Hemisphere, with a team in Brisbane, Australia, positioning Lamex as a key player in connecting Australian products to global markets, bringing international goods into Australia.

Today & Beyond

After almost 60 years in business, with 320 staff operating from 24 locations worldwide, our ambition remains unchanged: to harness consistent and stable growth though partnership, innovation and being the strongest link in any global food supply chain.