Loading
    0808 149 7483Contact us

    Invoice finance for food and drink manufacturers

    Unlock the value of unpaid invoices instantly, helping you negotiate better deals, manage seasonal demand, and offset late payments.

    What is invoice finance for the food and drink industry?


    Food and drink production comes with inherent risks, but your cash flow shouldn't. Invoice finance lets you unlock the value tied up in unpaid invoices as soon as you raise them, helping you cover costs while you wait for customers to pay.


    So whether you're a manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor, you can bridge payment gaps and steady your cash flow.

    How does invoice finance for the food and drink sector work?


    Food and drink businesses often benefit from tailored funding that flexes with order volumes, supplier terms and seasonal demand.  At Close Brothers, our long experience in food and drink means we understand the challenges and find solutions others can't. Simply raise your invoice as usual, and we advance 90% of its value, typically within 24 hours. Because invoice finance flexes with turnover, it absorbs seasonal swings without renegotiation.

    Speak to a food and drink industry expert

    Get in touch

    Benefits of invoice finance for food and drink companies

    Finance production equipment and storage

    Invoice finance gives you flexible funding to invest where you need it, from a new production line or packaging equipment to a short-term uplift in chilled or ambient storage. Stay ready for new, larger contracts without delays.

    Recruit skilled production and operations staff

    Seasonal workers, specialised operators, truck drivers, and warehouse staff are all crucial for delivery. Invoice finance can bridge the gap between paying temporary hires and receiving payments from your clients.

    Manage seasonal demand and fluctuating order volumes

    Whether it's a major supermarket order or the run-up to Christmas, invoice finance steadies your cash flow without waiting for customer payments. Navigate peak seasons, scale production, pay staff, and fulfil every order.

    AK Stoddart Ltd


    "The business benefits from excellent relationships with both its customer base and the Scottish farming community and we look forward to working closely with both to further develop the Stoddart brand over the coming years."


    Neil Stoddart, AK Stoddart Ltd

    Read this case study

    Invoice finance products for the food and beverage industry

    Invoice discounting for food and drink companies

    Manage collections yourself with invoice discounting, ideal if you already have a finance team and want to retain control of customer relationships. This solution keeps your internal processes unchanged and confidential, while unlocking working capital to improve cash flow and support your growth ambitions. It's also a powerful tool for navigating supply chain issues, extended payment terms, and seasonal challenges.

    Invoice factoring for food and drink companies

    Invoice factoring, by contrast, means we manage your credit control and collections on your behalf. It's a great fit if you have a small in-house finance team, with a focus on other priorities. We chase payments for you while advancing 90% of each invoice's value shortly after it's raised, keeping your working capital flowing without additional admin.

    Asset based lending for food and drink companies

    Existing business assets, from premises to production equipment and machinery, can be leveraged to release additional capital you can invest back into the company. Whether you're expanding into new markets or launching a new product, asset based lending can top up your funding so you have everything you need to execute your strategic moves with confidence.

    Frequently asked questions

    How quickly can funds be accessed through invoice finance?

    Invoice finance allows you to receive 90% of your invoice value upfront, typically within 24 hours. When your customer pays, we send you the remaining balance, minus our fee.

    Can invoice finance help manage supplier payments?

    Yes. Invoice finance provides faster access to working capital, helping businesses stay on top of supplier payments.


    Rather than waiting for customers to pay, businesses can convert outstanding invoices into immediate cash, helping them cover supplier costs when they’re due and maintain strong supplier relationships.

    What types of food and beverage businesses use invoice finance?

    Food and beverage businesses of all sizes can benefit from invoice finance. From food manufacturers and processors, soft drink producers, craft brewers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, to hospitality and catering providers. Invoice finance can help fund ingredients, production, inventory and day-to-day operating costs, while providing the flexibility to manage seasonal demand, longer payment terms and future growth.

    Can invoice finance help with seasonal trading patterns?

    Yes. Invoice finance can help businesses manage seasonal trading patterns.


    Many food and drink businesses experience significant seasonal peaks that require investment well ahead of revenue being received. Whether that’s building stock for the festive season or preparing for a summer surge - costs can rise long before invoices are settled. Meanwhile, expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities remain constant. By unlocking cash tied up in outstanding invoices, invoice finance helps food and drink businesses maintain liquidity and navigate seasonal trading periods with confidence.

    • How quickly can funds be accessed through invoice finance?

      Invoice finance allows you to receive 90% of your invoice value upfront, typically within 24 hours. When your customer pays, we send you the remaining balance, minus our fee.

    • Can invoice finance help manage supplier payments?

      Yes. Invoice finance provides faster access to working capital, helping businesses stay on top of supplier payments.


      Rather than waiting for customers to pay, businesses can convert outstanding invoices into immediate cash, helping them cover supplier costs when they’re due and maintain strong supplier relationships.

    • What types of food and beverage businesses use invoice finance?

      Food and beverage businesses of all sizes can benefit from invoice finance. From food manufacturers and processors, soft drink producers, craft brewers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, to hospitality and catering providers. Invoice finance can help fund ingredients, production, inventory and day-to-day operating costs, while providing the flexibility to manage seasonal demand, longer payment terms and future growth.

    • Can invoice finance help with seasonal trading patterns?

      Yes. Invoice finance can help businesses manage seasonal trading patterns.


      Many food and drink businesses experience significant seasonal peaks that require investment well ahead of revenue being received. Whether that’s building stock for the festive season or preparing for a summer surge - costs can rise long before invoices are settled. Meanwhile, expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities remain constant. By unlocking cash tied up in outstanding invoices, invoice finance helps food and drink businesses maintain liquidity and navigate seasonal trading periods with confidence.

    Loading
    Invoice Finance for Food & Drink | Close Brothers Invoice Finance
    ×
    Click to chat with us now