New markets. Major listings. Tens of millions in revenue. Investment-grade operations. And when you look closely, it’s rarely just the product. It’s how the product is presented, delivered, and scaled. In other words: brand, system, and yes, packaging. This month we spotlight two fast-growing UK brands and unpack what they did right.
The Protein Works
The Protein Works, founded in 2012, started out in the sports supplement space. But it’s now a major direct-to-consumer player in health and nutrition and it’s growing fast.
- In 2023/24, it hit £50.7 million turnover, up from £42.8 million the year before.
- Pre-tax profit rose to £8.8 million (up 36%).
- They’ve opened a £10 million HQ and production site in Cheshire.
What they did right:
- Moved beyond gym-bro branding into a more mainstream “healthy living” market
- Developed a deep SKU range with consistent packaging
- Built operational scale to serve DTC, retail and export
- Elevated their brand from functional to premium through cohesive design and quality print
Their pouches, tubs and DTC boxes feel clean, intentional, and scalable. Whether you buy a protein bar or a meal shake, you’re getting a brand that looks investor-ready not just gym-floor functional.
Deliciously Ella
Once a recipe blog, now a plant-based powerhouse. Deliciously Ella’s growth has been consistent, mission-led and recently rewarded.
- In 2023, the company achieved £24 million revenue
- In September 2024, it was acquired by Swiss food group Hero Group for an undisclosed sum
- It now has a multi-SKU retail presence: snacks, cereals, frozen meals and more
What they did right:
- Built a lifestyle-first brand with strong storytelling
- Maintained consistency across digital, packaging and in-store
- Products always felt premium and aligned with their wellness mission
- Packaging clearly targets their core shopper: health-conscious, values-driven, female-led
Their shelf presence doesn’t feel “start-up.” From colour palette to finish quality to messaging, everything about their packaging supports a premium, polished brand identity one that felt ready to scale and ready to sell.
What These Brands Do Differently
Niche first, then scale smart
Start focused, then expand without losing your centre of gravity. Their packaging evolves with them, not against them.
Premium outside, not just inside
The price point only works if the packaging delivers perceived value. They don’t cut corners on finish, stock or messaging.
Operational and packaging systems
If your print files are messy or your MOQs are misaligned, you can’t scale. These brands have clean assets, scalable formats and supplier-ready packs.
Packaging tells the story fast
You’ve got 3 seconds on shelf. They use every inch of the pack to communicate trust, benefit and brand promise. No fluff. No confusion. Clear, confident print.
Print & Pack Check for Ambitious Brands
Here’s a quick founder-facing audit to see if your packaging is scale-ready:
- Consistent brand feel across every SKU and format
- Print finishes that match your product quality and price
- Clear, confident messaging benefit first
- Print files, dielines and supplier assets up to date and centralised
- Formats that work across DTC, retail, export
- Packaging materials that support scale (not just launch)
Growth isn’t magic
It’s margin + message + momentum. And packaging sits right at the centre of that triangle. If your packaging doesn’t reflect your brand’s ambition, scale-readiness or story it’s probably costing you growth. The good news? Unlike your supply chain or your margins, this is something you can fix quickly.
So maybe it’s time for a fresh audit. Your next jump might depend on it.
