1 min read - 5 Feb, 2026
Princes Group celebrates 100 years of food production in Wisbech
In honour of 100 years of food production at its Wisbech factory, Princes Group welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to commemorate the occasion.
Her Royal Highness joined employees and members of the community in unveiling a plaque, marking the heritage of canning in the town, followed by speeches from key members of the business.
This milestone marks a significant milestone for Princes Group, recognising the continued legacy of the Wisbech factory, which began in 1925 when Samuel Smedley pioneered canned fruit production in the UK. Following this period, the factory, known as Smedley’s, has supported generations of local families with employment and growth.
Princes Group has celebrated 100 years of food production at its Wisbech factory / Picture: Princes Group
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Today, Princes produces over one billion cans of branded and own-brand food annually across Wisbech and its sister factory in Long Sutton.
Simon Harrison, CEO at Princes Group, said: “Today marks a huge milestone for Princes and the Wisbech community. Her Royal Highness’s visit affirms the important role the Wisbech factory has played in shaping the local community and cultural heritage over the past century. As we commemorate 100 years of food production, we also reaffirm our dedication to food production, sustainability and innovation, ensuring that the legacy of this factory continues to thrive for future generations.”
The commemoration of the Wisbech centenary was first celebrated in July 2025, when the factory launched a creative competition for local school children to design can labels. The three winners of the competition were previously invited for a factory tour and had their designs printed on Princes canned food.
