1.   Who’s behind Brindisa, and how did it all start?

Brindisa was founded in 1988 by Monika Linton, who wanted to share the incredible diversity, craftsmanship and flavours of Spain with people in the UK.

After living in Spain and working in a Spanish restaurant kitchen, Monika discovered a world of extraordinary artisan foods, from regional cheeses and cured meats to olives, preserves and olive oils. When she returned to Britain, she realised that many of these exceptional ingredients simply weren’t available, and the seed for Brindisa was planted.

What began with a single pallet of artisan Spanish cheese quickly captured the attention of some of London’s most adventurous chefs and helped shape what Brindisa still stands for today: seeking out foods made with integrity, care and devotion, and celebrating the people and places behind them.

Over the past 35 years, Brindisa has grown into one of the UK’s leading specialists in Spanish food. Today, we supply Michelin-starred restaurants and food halls, alongside our own London food shops, restaurants and online store. While we’ve grown considerably, our purpose has remained the same, to celebrate the true taste of Spain and share authentic Spanish food culture with as many people as possible.

2.   What has stayed important to you as Brindisa has grown and evolved?

Our values have remained consistent since day one. We’ve always believed that exceptional food begins with exceptional producers, so building long-term relationships with artisan makers across Spain continues to be at the heart of everything we do.

Quality has never been something we’re willing to compromise on. Every product we bring into the Brindisa range has earned its place, not only because the flavour is remarkable, but because it has a story, reflects its region and represents the very best of Spanish food culture.

Remaining independent has also allowed us to stay true to that vision. It means we can continue to champion outstanding producers, make thoughtful decisions and focus on long-term relationships rather than short-term trends.

3.   What does Sustainability look like at Brindisa?

For us, sustainability is about making thoughtful choices across our business, from how we source our products to how we operate day to day. We work closely with artisan producers across Spain who share our commitment to quality, traditional methods and respect for the landscapes they work in, building long-term relationships that support both craftsmanship and local food culture.

We’re proud to work with producers who care deeply about the way their food is made. One example is Ortiz, whose Bonito del Norte is caught one by one using traditional pole-and-line fishing methods, a highly selective technique that helps minimise bycatch and supports responsible fishing practices while delivering exceptional quality.

We’re also looking at how we can reduce our environmental impact. One recent step has been the installation of solar panels at our Balham warehouse, which now power our offices with renewable energy and, when conditions allow, generate surplus electricity that is fed back into the grid. It’s an exciting milestone as we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and invest in a more sustainable future.

4.   What do you think sets Brindisa apart?

We genuinely believe it’s the care that goes into every product we choose.

Before anything joins the Brindisa range, it goes through a rigorous selection process. Monika and our buying team spend time discovering producers, tasting extensively, comparing quality and making sure every product represents the very best of its kind. We don’t believe in stocking products simply because they’re popular, they have to be exceptional.

Every product in our range has a story to tell. Whether it’s a centuries-old cheesemaking tradition, a family-run producer or an iconic pantry staple, we want every product to reflect the authenticity, craftsmanship and generosity that Spanish food is known for.

5.   Do you have a favourite product or one that’s really popular at the moment?

If we had to choose just one, it would have to be the Perelló Gordal Olives. They’re everyone’s favourite.

People often describe them as the best olives in the UK, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see just how much they mean to people. We love seeing customers sharing photos of them on social media as part of life’s special moments, enjoying them on the beach with a cold drink, serving them at family gatherings, introducing them to their children for the very first time, or even using the iconic tins as wedding decorations or kitchen displays. We’ve even seen people get tattoos inspired by the famous Perelló tin, which is the ultimate sign of devotion!

They’re a product that brings people together, and that’s something we’re really proud of.

Alongside the olives, our Perelló Kitchen Range has become a real favourite too. The beans, olive oils and other pantry essentials have quickly earned a place in people’s kitchens. They’re beautifully packaged in the brand’s iconic tin, but more importantly they’re exceptional everyday ingredients that you’ll reach for again and again.

We can’t forget that it all began with cheese, and ewe’s cheeses like Manchego are so central to Spanish cuisine and culture, we have to include them in our favourites.

6.   Where do you draw inspiration for new products and flavours?

Our inspiration always starts in Spain.

Monika and our buying team spend time travelling, visiting producers and exploring different regions, constantly discovering ingredients and flavours that deserve a wider audience. Some ideas come from long-standing relationships with producers, while others come from uncovering regional specialities or traditional recipes that haven’t yet found their way to the UK.

A product reflects the quality, authenticity and story we’re looking for, one we’d love to share with our customers.

7.   What do you hope people feel when they pick up Brindisa products at Better Food?

We want our products to inspire people to cook, gather around the table and enjoy great food together. Whether it’s opening a tin of Perelló olives for an aperitivo moment, cooking with our pantry staples or discovering a new Spanish cheese, we hope every product brings a taste of the Mediterranean, plenty of sunshine and a sense of celebration to everyday meals.

That’s what Brindisa has always been about: sharing the true taste of Spain and the joy that comes with it.