Chamber conversations: Adam Sims from The Bart Ingredients Company
At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations - from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities - all working to make our region stronger and more connected.
In recognition of World Food Day this October, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber members whose work celebrates the power of food to bring people together. We’re proud to feature The Bart Ingredients Company as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising their dedication to bringing the joy of food to life through sourcing, flavour, and sustainability.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at The Bart Ingredients Company. What does a typical day look like?
I’m Adam Sims, CEO of The Bart Ingredients Company. My job is to lead a brilliant team of people who are passionate about food and flavour. No two days are ever the same. One day, I might be meeting with our sourcing partners or working from our HQ in Severn Beach, the next I’m tasting new blends in our development kitchen or catching up with colleagues across the Fuchs Gruppe. What keeps me motivated is seeing how our work connects people, from the farmers who grow our ingredients to the team who pack and blend them here in Bristol, and the home cooks who use them every day.
Can you tell us more about The Bart Ingredients Co. - what you do, where you’re based, and how your work impacts both the local community and the wider food industry?
Bart Ingredients has been proudly based in Bristol for more than 60 years. We’re part of the Fuchs Gruppe, one of the world’s leading spice companies, and we source, blend and supply herbs, spices and seasonings, bringing global flavours to kitchens across the UK. Locally, we’re proud to support FRANK Water and the Square Food Foundation, two fantastic Bristol-based charities. FRANK Water provides clean, safe water to communities around the world, while Square Food Foundation uses cooking to help people build skills and confidence. We also encourage our team to volunteer their time because being part of the community is important to us.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are big topics in the food industry. How does Bart Ingredients approach responsible sourcing and reducing its environmental impact?
For us, responsibility is just part of doing good business. We’ve always believed that great flavour shouldn’t come at the expense of people or the planet, so we make sure we’re sourcing our ingredients carefully and running our sites efficiently. We’ve moved to one hundred percent renewable electricity across our operations, achieved zero waste to landfill, and made sure almost all of our packaging is recyclable or compostable. We also work closely with growers around the world to ensure fair and ethical practices and to maintain the quality we’re known for. It’s not about big claims; it’s about making steady progress and doing the right thing every day.
How long have you been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce and what prompted you to join?
We joined the Business West Chambers of Commerce earlier this year, so we’re still quite new to it. We wanted to connect with other local businesses and be part of the wider South West business community. Bristol has such an energetic mix of ideas and talent, and joining the Chamber felt like a great way to share experiences and learn from others.
What has been most valuable to you as a Business West Chamber member?
The connections. Even in the short time we've been members, we’ve met some great people who really care about what they do and about the region as a whole. The Chamber is a brilliant platform for bringing people together, whether that’s through networking, advice, or simply sharing what works. It’s been a great way to plug into the local business community.
Finally, what advice would you give to a business thinking of becoming a member of our Business West Chambers of Commerce?
I’d say just go for it. The more you get involved, the more you’ll benefit. It’s a supportive, welcoming network and a great way to feel part of something bigger. For us, it’s been a real reminder that business works best when we collaborate and look out for one another.
Join the Chamber and make connections that matter
Whether you’re a charity, SME, or multinational company, Business West Chamber of Commerce is here to help you connect, grow and thrive. By becoming a Chamber member, you gain access to:
- a vibrant network of businesses
- networking and profile-raising opportunities
- local influence and business representation
- dedicated support from our expert teams.
To find out more about becoming a Chamber member, click here. And if you are already a Chamber member and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one, then please get in touch with Amy.