Made In Basildon, Sold To The World

Gerald McDonald Group has been supplying the food and drink industry with herbs, spices, fruit juices and concentrates since 1917. From its origins as a spice merchant in the City of London, the company now operates from a purpose-built facility in Basildon with computer-controlled blending, dedicated spice milling, and chilled and frozen storage. Managing Director Maxim McDonald will share the story of four generations navigating world wars, changing consumer tastes and international trade, including the technical challenges of processing ingredients to exacting specifications, new product development (they even developed a washed seaweed purée!), and how opening an office in Japan proved to be both their toughest market and one of their greatest successes.

Maxim McDonald is the fourth generation of his family to lead Gerald McDonald Group. After studying at King's College London and working for a subsidiary of Virgin Media, Maxim was drawn back to the family business in 2013, keen to build on the legacy his great-grandfather had started. Seven years later, he took over as Managing Director from his father Gerald, who now serves as Chairman.

Under Maxim's leadership, the company has won the government's "Made in the UK, Sold to the World" Award 2025, been named a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, and completed its first acquisition. Their Yuzu juice won "Ingredient of the Year" at the British Frozen Food Awards in 2024.

Refreshments, including fruit juice, will be available from 30 minutes before the advertised start time.

To book your FREE place, please click Register Now from the event page on our website. Alternatively, just turn up!