Caterbox

What Caterbox does

Caterbox UK Limited is a privately held UK manufacturer and e-commerce retailer of protective plastic storage solutions, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Eastleigh with a registered base in Twyford. The company designs, produces and sells a specialized portfolio of boxes, crates, racks and accessories aimed primarily at the UK event hire industry — operators that wash, store and transport glassware, crockery, plates, cutlery and catering equipment for weddings, corporate functions and catering events. Its core catalog covers glassware storage, cup and crockery storage, plate storage, dishwasher rack systems (including the proprietary Fries Rack System described as a 3-in-1 wash/store/transport solution), Euro-format stackable containers in 600x400mm and 400x300mm sizes, cutlery storage, box dividers, transport trolleys and warewashing baskets, with a complementary bespoke box manufacturing service for non-standard items.

The underlying technology is conventional plastic manufacturing — corrugated polypropylene (Correx), food-safe temperature-resistant plastics and impact-resistant polymers — combined with proprietary product designs such as the Fries Rack System and custom dividers/inserts. Caterbox also offers Box Branding & Printing (thermal transfer and vinyl labels) as an add-on service and a Components & Accessories range for replacement parts, signaling deliberate moves into higher-margin, recurring-revenue services on top of a one-time-purchase hardware base.

The business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce: products are sold exclusively through the Caterbox website with no minimum order quantity or value, volume discounts, a price-match promise, a 30-day return policy, and free next-day UK mainland delivery on orders over £499. International shipping is also offered. Revenue streams are one-time product sales, custom branding fees and bespoke manufacturing work. The company has 1–10 employees, no disclosed funding, no parent company, no M&A activity and operates as a profitable, organically grown specialist serving event hire, logistics/warehousing, catering, office/school storage and residential move verticals.

Name

Caterbox

Legal name

Caterbox UK Ltd

Website

https://caterbox.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plastic Storage Containers

akta.pro primary industry

Rigid Food Containers (Cups, Trays, Clamshells) (IMALAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Plastic Trays, Clamshells & Blister Packaging Manufacturing (IMANAEAE)

Keywords

• Plastic storage containers
• Glassware storage solutions
• Catering equipment storage
• Event hire storage
• Dishwasher rack systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Twyford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Plastic Storage Product Sales: Direct sales of plastic storage containers, glassware storage boxes, crockery storage, plate storage, dishwasher racks, stackable containers, and related accessories. Revenue generated through one-time product purchases with volume discounting available. Products are sold directly via e-commerce with no minimum order quantities.
2. Custom Branding Services: Branded packaging and printing services where customers can personalize storage boxes with company branding, logos and print options for a premium.
3. Bespoke/Custom Box Manufacturing: Custom-made storage boxes and dividers manufactured to customer specifications for unique or oddly shaped items, offered as a specialized service.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Caterbox UK Ltd manufactures and supplies plastic storage solutions specializing in china and glassware storage for the UK event hire industry and commercial storage buyers. The company produces a range of standardized storage boxes, dishwasher racks, stackable containers, and custom-made bespoke boxes, complemented by box branding and printing services. Sales are conducted directly through the Caterbox e-commerce website with no minimum order requirements.

Product overview

Caterbox offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic storage solutions tailored primarily for the event hire industry and commercial operations. The core product line includes Glassware Storage Solutions, Cup & Crockery Storage Solutions, Plate Storage Solutions (with options such as Plate Storage Containers, Slotted Plate Boxes, Plate Wash & Store Crates, and Ventilated Plate Storage Crates), and the Dishwasher Rack Range featuring the Fries Rack System. The portfolio also includes Stackable Storage Containers in Euro sizes (600x400mm and 400x300mm), Cutlery Store & Wash Solutions, Box Dividers & Inserts, Transport Trolleys, Warewashing Baskets and Racks, and Crockery Storage & Transport Boxes. Value-added services include Box Branding & Printing (thermal transfer print and vinyl labels) for customisation, and Components & Accessories for all product lines. With over 30 years of experience in event hire storage, the products serve applications in industrial storage, distribution, warehousing, logistics, catering, office storage, and residential use.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Glassware Storage Solutions Specialised storage boxes and containers (including Glass Wash and Store Crates) designed to preserve and organise delicate glassware, providing secure protection for washing, storing, and transportation. Targeted at event hire companies, catering businesses, and other organizations handling fragile glassware.
• Cup & Crockery Storage Solutions Storage boxes and dishwasher cup racks that allow neat stacking and storage of cups and crockery sets together. Designed for event hire companies and catering businesses requiring organized crockery storage and warewashing.
• Plate Storage Solutions Comprehensive plate storage options including Plate Storage Containers, Slotted Plate Boxes, Plate Wash & Store Crates, and Ventilated Plate Storage Crates designed to maintain immaculate arrangement of chinaware. Targeted at event hire companies and catering operations.
• Dishwasher Rack Range Comprehensive selection of dishwasher components including glass racks, cup racks, glasswasher baskets, plate and tray racks, cutlery trays, and open baskets. Features the proprietary Fries Rack System offering a unique 3-in-1 solution for cleaning, storing, and transporting glassware. Designed for commercial kitchens, event hire companies, and warewashing operations.
• Stackable Storage Containers Euro stackable storage containers in 600x400mm or Euro half size 400x300mm, available with or without lids. Includes heavy-duty storage boxes, versatile containers with lids, ventilated crates, Correx storage boxes, and food storage containers made from temperature-resistant, food-safe material. Targeted at logistics, warehousing, catering, and general storage applications.
• Cutlery Store & Wash Solutions Cutlery boxes and accessories including storage box add-ons and solutions for clean and dust-free cutlery storage. Designed for event hire companies and catering businesses.
• Box Dividers & Inserts Flexible and cushioned corrugated plastic dividers that fit most industry standard totes, ideal for protecting fragile, lightweight items like glassware. Available in various sizes including 600x400, 400x300, and 300x200. Targeted at event hire companies and businesses with fragile inventory.
• Transport Trolleys Durable trolleys designed for effortless movement of heavy loads, facilitating transfer of dishwasher racks and containers between washrooms and service areas. Designed for event hire companies, catering businesses, and commercial kitchens.
• Warewashing Baskets and Racks Baskets and racks designed for commercial warewashing applications, supporting glassware and dish handling throughout the washing process. Designed for commercial kitchens, catering businesses, and event hire companies.
• Crockery Storage & Transport Boxes Storage and transport boxes specifically designed for crockery items, enabling event hire operations and safe transportation. Designed for event hire companies and catering operations.
• Box Branding & Printing Service Custom branding and printing services for boxes, including thermal transfer print and vinyl labels, allowing customers to strengthen their brand with high-quality, express printing options. Targeted at event hire companies and businesses wanting branded storage equipment.
• Components & Accessories Additional parts and accessories including Correx Box Accessories, Ventilated Crate Accessories, 600x400mm Euro Box Accessories, 400x300mm Euro Box Accessories, Dishwasher Rack 500mm Accessories, Conveyor Rack 600mm Accessories, and Lids for Boxes, Crates & Euro Containers. Targeted at existing Caterbox customers needing replacement parts and complementary accessories.

Quantifiable outcome

• Boxes that last a lifetime with consistent professional appearance
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Euro Boxes Direct: UK supplier of Euro stacking containers and industrial storage boxes. Comparable to Caterbox as a direct competitor in the stackable/Euro container category Caterbox serves.
• Really Useful Products: UK manufacturer of stackable plastic storage boxes and containers in various sizes. Direct competitor to Caterbox's stackable storage container line, serving overlapping industrial, commercial, and consumer storage needs.
• Event Hire UK: UK event hire company supplying furniture, tableware, and equipment. Comparable to Caterbox as it represents the end-user customer segment and highlights the market Caterbox primarily serves.
• Storage Box Shop: UK online retailer specializing in plastic storage boxes and containers for domestic and commercial use. Comparable to Caterbox as a competing e-commerce D2C seller of plastic storage products.
• Wham Storage: UK-based plastic storage box manufacturer offering a wide range of containers, crates, and storage solutions. Comparable to Caterbox as a competing plastic storage specialist targeting consumers and small businesses.
• Alligator Storage: UK plastic storage container manufacturer offering stackable and nestable boxes for industrial and commercial use. Comparable to Caterbox as a direct competitor in plastic storage containers for industrial/commercial buyers.

Broad incumbents

• Brakes Group: UK foodservice supplier offering catering equipment, kitchen supplies, and storage solutions. Comparable to Caterbox as it serves the catering industry with storage and equipment, though as a broad incumbent rather than specialist.
• Nisbets: Leading UK supplier of catering equipment and consumables, including storage, racks, and warewashing solutions. Comparable to Caterbox as a broad incumbent serving the same catering and food service customer base with overlapping product categories.
• Lockhart Catering Equipment: UK distributor of catering equipment, supplies, and kitchen storage solutions. Comparable to Caterbox as it serves the same catering and hospitality customer base with storage and equipment products.

Regional players

• Plastor (Plastic Products): UK manufacturer of custom plastic products and containers. Comparable to Caterbox as a domestic plastic manufacturer serving industrial and commercial customers with similar product types.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/caterbox_uk
• Facebookfacebook.com/Caterboxuk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/caterbox

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Caterbox