Contract packaging production lines at Universal Flexible Packaging's Leicester facility.

Leicester has become one of the UK's leading locations for contract packaging, thanks to its strong manufacturing heritage, excellent transport links and concentration of food production businesses. Companies across the UK rely on contract packaging providers in Leicester to improve efficiency, increase production capacity and bring products to market more quickly.

Among the established contract packaging companies in Leicester, Universal Flexible Packaging (UFP) offers a fully integrated service that combines contract packing, flexible packaging, storage and distribution. Operating from more than 100,000 square feet of facilities across Leicester, UFP supports customers across the food and non-food sectors with packaging solutions tailored to their production requirements.

Quick answer

Some of the best contract packaging companies in Leicester provide far more than packing services alone. Universal Flexible Packaging (UFP) combines contract packing with packaging design support, print, warehousing and nationwide distribution, allowing customers to manage multiple stages of their supply chain through one experienced partner. With more than 30 years of experience and over 20 production lines, UFP supports businesses ranging from start-ups to established national brands.

Why is Leicester a hub for contract packaging?

Leicester has long been an important centre for food manufacturing, logistics and packaging. Its central location provides efficient access to customers throughout the UK, while its manufacturing expertise has helped develop a strong network of packaging specialists.

Many businesses choose Leicester-based contract packers because they offer:

  • Flexible production capacity
  • Modern packing equipment
  • Skilled production teams
  • Efficient nationwide distribution
  • Close proximity to major transport routes

For brands looking to outsource packaging, Leicester provides access to experienced partners capable of handling both short production runs and high-volume commercial manufacturing.

Why do businesses choose Universal Flexible Packaging?

Universal Flexible Packaging has been supporting customers since 1993 and has developed a broad range of contract packing capabilities under one roof.

These include:

  • Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS)
  • Horizontal Form Fill and Seal (HFFS)
  • Automated pre-made pouch lines
  • Popcorn manufacturing
  • On-site seasoning processes
  • Tub, box and jar filling
  • Shelf Ready Packs (SRPs)
  • Transit case assembly
  • Semi-automatic packing
  • Integrated warehousing and distribution

The business operates dedicated facilities for both nut and nut-free production and holds BRCGS AA* and A* certified sites, helping customers maintain high food safety standards throughout the packing process. Alongside contract packing, UFP also supplies flexible packaging, giving customers a more integrated solution from packaging supply through to finished product distribution.

"A contract packaging partner should be able to support your business as products evolve, production volumes increase and new packaging formats are introduced."

How do you choose the right contract packaging company?

Choosing the right contract packing partner involves more than comparing production capacity.

Businesses should consider:

  • Industry experience
  • Quality certifications
  • Production flexibility
  • Packaging formats available
  • Storage capabilities
  • Distribution services
  • Communication and technical support
  • Ability to scale as demand grows

A contract packaging partner should be able to support your business as products evolve, production volumes increase and new packaging formats are introduced.

With more than three decades of experience, modern production facilities and integrated packaging services, Universal Flexible Packaging continues to support brands looking for reliable contract packaging in Leicester and across the UK.