E.E. & Brian Smith

Our company’s roots trace back to 1912, when Ellen Emma Smith invested a few hundred pounds of her personal funds into a modest import business marking the birth of E.E. Smith & Co Ltd. The company began to flourish after World War I, securing a key role as broker to the American Army Disposals Board. Its main activity involved selling surplus canned and preserved goods stockpiled in France, presenting a strong business opportunity. In the early 1920s, following the end of the Great War, cricket enthusiast Brian Smith saw promise in the enterprise and invested a portion of his wealth, leading to the rebranding of the firm as E.E. & Brian Smith Ltd. The company thrived until the 1928 global economic downturn, which brought significant challenges. To reset and rebuild, E.E. & Brian Smith (1928) Ltd was founded to navigate the turbulent times of the Great Depression. From that point forward, the company became a key importer of fruit pulps and lemon juice for the UK jam industry. The foundation of its success lay in its strong supplier relationships suppliers valued representation that prioritized long-term collaboration over short-term profit. They sought an agent who would act as a true partner and advisor in the UK market, helping them grow their business by connecting with new customers. Over the years, E.E. & Brian Smith expanded its portfolio to include products like grapefruit and orange juice, managing to grow even throughout World War II. Post-1945, the company broadened its supplier network and entered new sectors, including pickled vegetables, seafood products, and food manufacturing equipment. Today, we proudly continue to work with many of the same family-run producers we've partnered with for nearly 80 years some relationships now span four generations. Throughout our long history, we have remained committed to our core principles of consistency, trust, and dependability. By acting as a devoted UK partner and maintaining strong, loyal supplier connections, E.E. & Brian Smith continues to build on the legacy of its founding values.