KFE is organising a full year of celebrations and fundraising activity throughout 2026 to mark its 30th anniversary of supplying frying ranges to the UK’s fish and chip industry.
To commemorate this milestone, the company has set an ambitious goal of raising more than £30,000 which will be shared among numerous charities.
To kick off the anniversary year, KFE is reviving the industry’s largest charity event, KFE on a Mission with all money raised going to The Fishermen’s Mission. More than 10 leading industry operators will travel across England, Scotland and Wales over three days in March, visiting shops and offering hands-on training in exchange for donations.
The challenge will conclude with a charity dinner and auction at The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, on the evening of Wednesday 25th March. The team hopes to surpass previous totals of £13,000 raised in 2017 and £14,500 in 2019.
The annual KFE Annual Ball, held at The Belfry Hotel on Sunday 17th May, will also pay tribute to the anniversary with a white theme, reflecting the traditional pearl symbol for 30 years.
Staff-led fundraising
Throughout 2026, KFE will run a series of fun “turning 30” themed competitions and staff-led fundraising initiatives as well as highlight the operators it has worked with over the past three decades. All money raised will be split between charities nominated by staff and customers.
Tanya Henderson, Managing Director of KFE, said: “We are excited to be celebrating our 30th anniversary with the industry. Over the past three decades, KFE has pioneered innovations that have helped fish and chip shops improve efficiency, consistency and profitability. We’ve also had many proud moments, including KFE going carbon neutral and Paul being honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award. We are committed to continuing his work and look forward to what the future holds.
“In true KFE style, we wanted the whole industry to be part of our celebrations, so we’ve planned a fantastic year of events and fundraising with a few surprises along the way. Raising £30,000 is a big challenge, but we are confident we can do it with our staff, customers, suppliers and friends supporting us. It’s great that so many charities with benefit, especially The Fishermen’s Mission because without our fishermen going out day after day, in all weathers, our sector wouldn’t exist.”
KFE was founded in April 1996 by Paul Williams in his bedroom above his family’s fish and chip shop in Market Deeping. His vision introduced operators in the UK to advanced Dutch frying technology through Kiremko frying ranges.
Over the following decade, the company relocated to dedicated showroom premises, launched its service division and created The KFE School of Frying Excellence, which has become the industry’s leading training centre.
Today, KFE employs more than 30 staff and represents a growing number of brands including Kiremko, Perfecta, Qook!, Adieu, Smitto and Unox. In early 2025, Paul moved into the role of Chairman, with the next generation – his son Nikki Williams, daughter Tanya Henderson, and son-in-law Mathew Henderson – leading the business.
For tickets for the KFE Annual Ball or the KFE on a Mission charity dinner, contact KFE on 01778 380 448 or e-mail sales@kfeltd.co.uk.