March 26, 2026
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Food and Beverage Industry

Discover the best long-term business loan lenders tailored for the food and beverage sector. Get reliable funding options to grow your UK food or drink business with ease.
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Food and Beverage Industry
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

Jesse Spence is a Funding Research and Content Lead at Funding Agent with 4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business owners, not only, improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance but also find the right funding providers for their needs.

Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Food and Beverage Industry

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-03-23.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on delivering fast, accessible unsecured business finance comparison in the UK. It is suitable for SMEs looking for straightforward lending options with transparent terms. The platform offers a simple application process, with quick matching based on eligibility, no collateral requirements, and varying repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
  • Industries: UK SME's

Pros

  • fastest and easiest application process
  • No collateral required

Cons

  • lower track record, only trading 1 year

Sources: Funding Agent

2. SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance provides business loans tailored to the food and beverage sector in specific UK regions. It is appropriate for businesses requiring unsecured loan capital within set funding bands. Their services offer medium-term financing with a focus on accessible lending without requiring tangible assets as security.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,001
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 6.18%
  • Max APR: 12%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Food and Beverage

Pros

  • No tangible asset required
  • Medium-term finance solution

Cons

  • Limited regional availability

Sources: Source

3. MCL Finance

MCL Finance offers fast, unsecured business loans suitable for varied business needs without requiring collateral. Ideal for SMEs seeking timely access to working capital or other financial products with flexible repayment terms. The provider supports multiple business types and offers merchant cash advance options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 4.9%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Merchant cash advance
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Quick application
  • No collateral required

Cons

  • Interest rates can be high

Sources: Source

4. iwoca

iwoca provides flexible loans primarily for SMEs across industries with options for short to medium loan durations. It works well for businesses that require versatile financing solutions with adaptable repayment schedules. No early repayment penalties and the availability of multiple finance types add to appeal.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: SME loans
  • Industries: All Industries

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • No early repayment penalties

Cons

  • Interest rates can vary significantly

Sources: Source

5. Capify

Capify targets SMEs needing short-term, high-cost business loans with flexible terms. It is suitable for companies prioritising quick decisions and adaptable financing, though interest rates tend to be high. The provider focuses on simplicity and speed, with loans available across a wide funding range.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 67.89%
  • Max APR: 67.89%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible durations ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Short term loans, SME loans
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Flexible financing options

Cons

  • Very high APR

Sources: Source

6. Active Business Finance

Active Business Finance specialises in lending solutions for hospitality and restaurant sectors. It is best for businesses seeking tailored financial products relevant to their industry needs. Their offerings feature flexible terms though precise loan details are not widely published.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 6.9%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Hospitality, Restaurant

Pros

  • Tailored to industry needs
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Specific loan details not widely available

Sources: Source

7. Charles and Dean

Charles and Dean offers bespoke finance solutions across multiple industries, focusing on customised lending programmes. It suits businesses looking for tailored financial products, including asset finance options. Details on APR and loan specifics are limited, reflecting flexible and varied terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset finance, Business loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Wide range of finance options

Cons

  • Specific APR information not detailed

Sources: Source

8. Coast Finance

Coast Finance specialises in unsecured business term loans with flexible durations adapted for the food and beverage industry. It suits SMEs seeking competitive rates combined with adaptable repayment schedules. Their products typically support industry-specific lending needs with varying loan sizes.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £350,000
  • Min APR: 7.9%
  • Max APR: 24.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Terms loans, Asset finance
  • Industries: Food and Beverage

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Industry specialization

Cons

  • Arrangement fees can add up

Sources: Source

9. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance provides loans emphasising commercial property investment and business finance at larger funding levels. Best suited for businesses needing commercial asset-backed finance with flexible loan terms. It offers access to significant capital with variable lending parameters.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Commercial property loans
  • Industries: Real Estate, Business

Pros

  • Large funding amounts
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher minimum loan amount

Sources: Source

10. PMD Business Finance

PMD Business Finance specialises in offering diverse finance products through a broad lender network. It suits businesses seeking varied asset finance and unsecured debts with relatively quick application processes. Loan sizes and durations are flexible, accommodating different business requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset finance, Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Diverse finance options
  • Quick decisions

Cons

  • Complex eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

How to choose

When choosing the best long-term business loan lender for the food and beverage industry, consider matching loan size and APR to your business budget and needs. Assess eligibility requirements carefully, as they vary between providers. Balance speed against flexibility, especially with regard to repayment terms and collateral demands. Evaluate how loan repayments align with your franchise cash flow and seasonal patterns. Review lender fees, early repayment policies, and whether loans are brokered or direct. Taking time to compare these factors helps ensure a suitable lending solution.

Conclusion

Selecting the right lender depends on your specific use case, whether it is a bank providing traditional products, brokers offering multiple options, or specialists focusing on sector needs. For businesses requiring loans around 200 thousand pounds or more, some providers specialise in larger amounts or asset-backed lending. Funding Agent remains a versatile choice for SMEs wanting to compare options quickly. Always ensure to confirm current costs and terms directly with your chosen lender. This preserves alignment with your business’s financial strategy and goals.

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FAQs

What is a long-term business loan?
Why do food and beverage businesses need long-term loans?
Which lenders specialise in long-term loans for the food industry?
What factors affect loan approval for food and beverage businesses?
How can I improve my chances of getting a long-term business loan?
Are there any government schemes for food and beverage business loans in the UK?

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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2SWIG FinanceSWIG Finance offers loans ranging from £25,001 to £250,000 specifically for businesses in the food and beverage sector in the South and West Country.£25,001–£250,000; 6.18%–12% APR; 12–60 months
3MCL FinanceMCL Finance provides fast and reliable business loans between £5,000 and £250,000 for various business needs without collateral.£10,000–£250,000; 4.9%–14.9% APR; 6–60 months
4iwocaiwoca offers flexible business loans from £1,000 to £1,000,000 tailored for SMEs, with interest rates starting at 1.5% per month.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–15% APR; 1 to 24 months
5CapifyCapify provides fast, flexible, and short term business loans, ranging from £5,000 to £1,000,000.£5,000–£1,000,000; 67.89%–67.89% APR; Flexible durations
6Active Business FinanceActive Business Finance specializes in offering attractive lending solutions for restaurant and hospitality businesses.£0–£0; 6%–6.9% APR; Unknown
7Charles and DeanCharles and Dean provides bespoke finance solutions for a variety of industries, focusing on tailored lending programs.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
8Coast FinanceCoast Finance offers competitive unsecured business term loans with flexible terms for the food and beverage sector.£10,000–£350,000; 7.9%–24.9% APR; 6 months to 5 years
9Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance offers business loans starting from £50,000, with an emphasis on commercial property investments.£50,000–£25,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Flexible
10PMD Business FinancePMD Business Finance provides diversified lending services with quick processes and access to a large network of lenders.£5,000–£5,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
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