British food specialties include biscuits and cakes, tea, chocolates, jams, crisps, cereal, curry, beverages, meat and seafood, dairy and much more. There is a large opportunity to make your store stand out from the competition. Whether you're opening a shop devoted entirely to selling foods of Great Britain or you're building an international section in your American grocery store, the key is to shop smart.

In Great Britain, food has traditionally been based on chicken, lamb, pork, beef and fish. The most common foods are fish and chips, sandwiches, trifle, roast dinner and pies. Staples include fish, meat, potatoes, butter, flour and eggs. Find the classics and more eccentric delicacies when you shop for British food online.

1. Purchase British food specialties from companies that offer shipping deals.

2. Offer customers Great Britain food that stands out from the norm.

3. Offer recipes to encourage customers to buy more British specialty foods.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy UK food from a supplier you can trust

British food companies are not created equal. When ordering food from Great Britain, make sure you're getting it from a reputable company with good business practices.

I recommend: British Food Imports imports, wholesales and distributes many types of British food. Get information by emailing or calling the company. Request a wholesale catalog from British Wholesale Imports so you can shop for every type of food from Great Britain.

Complete your British specialty food shop with outstanding British tea

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world. It's an essential part of Great Britain food because it's drank during most occasions and during all times of the day.

I recommend: English Tea Store sells wholesale tea including Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Peppermint tea. You can shop by tea type or loose leaf tea. The Rather Jolly Tea Company sells tea and tea accessories wholesale. Consider adding non-food items such as tea kettles to your store, to further appeal to your customers. Fill out the form and submit to shop wholesale.

Think outside the box when ordering British specialty food

UK food runs the gamut from simple cakes to complex entrées. Consider stocking non-traditional fare that will spike customers' curiosity.

I recommend: British Delights offers wholesale British food online to 48 states. Enter your details to become a wholesale member. There is also a section on the website dedicated to new product listings, such as Heritage Mint Humbugs and Cadbury Chocolate Highlights. Burns Sweet Shop is a British specialty food store that sells treats to customers around the world. Buy some candies and fudge to stock in your shop.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're buying British food specialties directly from a store in the UK, keep in mind that the shipping rates vary depending on country.