Meet our suppliers - Henderson’s Relish

Veggies, proteins, carbs, condiments... At least a dozen different suppliers contribute to each Gousto box. Our suppliers are one of the key building blocks of our business. 

We treat our search for suppliers very seriously. We’re committed to championing UK businesses who share our values. This is because we want to grow with our suppliers and share success. Also, sourcing locally shortens food miles and reduces carbon footprint. 

A rich gravy with some Henderson's Relish under a blanket of smooth cheesy mash - you won't miss the meat in our Veggie Shepherd's Pie. Winner!

Henderson’s Relish (affectionately known as Hendo’s) is one of our suppliers with an interesting story. Now a renowned brand, they started off as a side-line run from a grocer’s shop. In this article, I’d like to dive into two key elements among many - like the famously secret blend known only to three family members! - in their recipe to success. 1. Their resilience as a family business for 130+ years. 2. Their innovation in sustainability. 

First, a brief history

Hendo’s has been made in Sheffield ever since Henry Henderson blended the first batch in 1885. He retired and sold the business to jams and pickles maker Shaws of Huddersfield in 1910. Shaw’s son-in-law Charles Hinksman bought out the business in 1940, and it has been passed down in the family since. Impressively family run for 130+ years!

Resilience & adaptability - rising to challenges

Modernising production

The business persevered through two World Wars, when each bottle was hand-poured, sealed with cork and wax, and packed with brown paper and string. In post-war years, Hendo’s invested in modernising production with a great outcome - sales exceeded one million bottles per year for the first time in 1951. 

Modernising the business model

From the late 1950s to 1980s, new town planning and the rise of the supermarket model slowly ate away at small corner shops, which had been Hendo’s main sales outlets. Recognising the need to pivot, then-managing directors Dr and Mrs Freeman began to visit various supermarket chains, carrying a bottle of Henderson’s to tempt potential buyers. Sainsbury’s became a supermarket partner this way. Brand recognition and accessibility widened from Sheffield to across the country. 

Innovation in sustainability 

In the true spirit of local sourcing, in 2018 Hendo’s signed their new glass supplier just seven miles from their factory. Equally importantly Hendo’s wanted more sustainable glass bottles - this new supplier makes them from 30% recycled glass. 

If you’re a Gousto customer you may be thinking about their miniature bottles. Hendo’s have also made them widely recyclable! 

YES for Hendo’s - what is it best with then?

“People think Henderson’s Relish is Sheffield’s answer to Worcester Sauce. Sheffielders think Henderson’s is the answer to everything,” said Tom Wrigglesworth the comedian - and you might just have to agree. Hendo’s is tangy, fruity, spicy, gluten free and VEGAN. It adds flavour to meat, fish and vegetables, so stir it into your soups, stews and gravies. It’s great in salad dressings and well shaken into a Bloody Mary. It even pairs with dark chocolate! 

It’s been amazing working with Hendo’s - you can find the relish in lots of our beef and veggie pies and pasta recipes. In the words of Henderson’s General Manager, Matt Davies, “Gousto’s chefs are creative and innovative. They’re always finding more and more recipes in which to give it some Hendo’s!” 

An inventive use of Hendo's in this Yasai Yaki Udon we cooked up with wagamama.

Help Britain’s diverse food culture thrive

You can help us support local businesses through our new Cookstarter campaign. We asked you to vote for your can’t-live-without independent restaurants across the UK, and the results are in! We’re providing funding, marketing and mentorship to these five restaurants, and YOU can now support the cause by ordering their recipes from the Gousto menu! 

You can find out more about the campaign here. We hope that by lending our support to others in the food industry, we can all come out of this pandemic stronger than ever!