IFE Manufacturing 2026 live: Atlante’s private label evolution and UK expansion strategy
01 Apr 2026 | Atlante
Philip Durham, UK business unit director, shares insights into how Atlante’s approach to private label has developed over the years, focusing on key markets for expansion, especially in the UK. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with brands like AMBO and Mister Potato for growth and innovation. Durham also delves into “The Year of Abundance” documentary, showcasing Italy’s exceptional 2025 harvest.
Fingers first, reporting from IFE 2026 in London.
We're at the Atlante stand with Philip Durham, who is UK Business unit director.
Welcome to you, Philip.
So can you tell us how the company's approach to private label has evolved since its early days, and how do you see it shaping the future of grocery retail?
So, so Atlante is about 30 years old.
We've been working in the UK for the last 12 years.
And over that time we have developed, across ambient, fresh, and this year we're moving into frozen, and it's our ability to bring some of that scale and knowledge.
And, and our sort of network of producers to the UK.
Yeah, that makes sense.
So could you share us some insights into key markets Atlanta is focused on for expansion, particularly within the UK?
So UK's a, a really amazing market, over 50%, owned brand participation, and is, and is growing.
And some of the core commodity areas that we work in, such as pasta and cheeses are growing within that.
OK.
So what role do partnerships such as those of Ambo and Mr.
Potato play in Atlantis' strategy for growth and innovation?
So it provides two parts.
One, private label is a very different structure and type of business to the branded world, and so it creates some balance for us.
But it also introduces us to new products, and new parts of the market, so it's a great way of connecting the two.
Yeah, OK.
So if we turn our attention to the documentary.
Through the year of abundance, can you tell us how this documentary highlights Italy's exceptional 2025 harvest?
Yes, so 22 to 2024 were really difficult years for inflation and the like.
25 saw abundance, and that puts in a different way pressure on that supply chain.
So being able to manage that, avoid food waste, and bring that amazing quality to the UK for the consumers is where that sits.
Yeah.
OK, so as a final question, what future trends do you foresee in the food and drink industry, and how is Atlanta preparing for these trends?
So my answer to that 4 or 5 weeks ago is probably very different to what it is now.
The near term look is at managing commodities, fuel, energy, and then also fertilizer for the long term, looking into how we work with our producers to manage that flow through of potential inflation.
OK, Philip, interesting, thanks for your time today.
No worries, thank you.
