Fresh produce supplier Country Fresh is looking to build up its new bakery arm into a £1m operation in the next two years.
The business based in Dereham, Norfolk, recently set up its own on-site organic bakery at its head office in Hockering, with the intention to supply all its own baked goods. It previously sourced bakery products, with the exception of sliced bread, from London firm Maison du Pain.
The bakery, which has only been in operation for a couple of weeks, is run by head baker Brian Akehurst, who has previously worked at Butlers of Norwich and the Real Croissant Co. Akehurst told British Baker that he was originally approached by Country Fresh MD James Gunns around a year ago, to be a supplier, adding: "It all sprang from there."
Akehurst said Country Fresh is now phasing out the bakery products it sources externally, with the process due to be completed "within the next month or so".
New products on offer range from sourdough and wheat-free breads to croissants and brioches. Akehurst said the firm was also looking at offering other lines such as cakes, as the business develops.
The £20k bakery supplies pubs, restaurants, hotels and schools, and has a staff of two. But Akehurst said the firm will be looking to take on additional employees in the near future
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