PM opens new $10m production facility

PM opens new $10m production facility that is sending tastebuds sky high!

The rise and rise of Christchurch baked goods manufacturer, Original Foods Baking Co.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND: The sweet scent of Kiwi ingenuity, resilience and success wafted over the skies of Christchurch today to celebrate the 25th birthday and official opening of the new $10m manufacturing facility of one of the nation’s largest privately-owned baking companies, Original Foods Baking Co. (OFBC).

The wholesale baked goods company was established in Christchurch in 1991 and produces over 90 delicious sweet treats including cakes, donuts, muffins, brownies and slices sold under the Original Foods Baking Co™, Goofy™, Bite Me™ and generic supermarket brands.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, officially opened the state-of-the-art 2,800m2 factory alongside Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and OFBC’s founders Jane Mayell and Mike Sproule.

Guests at the official opening included multi-national customers, suppliers, trade officials and employees with attendees treated to a ‘Design Your Own Donut’ bar, jazz music and tables laden with OFBC baked goods. The Prime Minister and Mayor officially marked the occasion by cutting a giant chocolate donut cake.

The opening of OFBC’s new factory will allow it to significantly increase its production output to cater for its expanding national and international customer base.

The multi-award winning and family owned business bakes thousands of donuts, birthday cakes, slices and muffins each week, that are not only enjoyed throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific but also in the skies.

“As well as our loyal Kiwi retailers including Countdown, Foodstuffs and leading food service distributors, our products can be found on Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Virgin and Jetstar’s inflight menus,” Jane said.

“Over 25 years we have grown the business from a three-person operation to over 80 full-time-equivalent staff and now export our products throughout the South Pacific including Samoa, Cook Islands and Australia. We also hope to announce a new contract with a major supermarket chain in Australia very soon.”

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said OFBC was a great example of a successful company that had not only brought significant economic opportunities to the region but had continued to support the local community.

“Following the Canterbury earthquakes Original Foods Baking Co. produced a red velvet cake known as ‘A Cake for Canterbury’. For every cake sold, a donation was made to enhance the parks and recreation areas of the region. Red velvet cake sales are now supporting the ‘Countdown Kids Foundation’, where $1 from each cake sold goes to the appeal,” Mayor Dalziel said.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the celebrations, as this company has stood the test of time and is a shining example of a company that has community at its very core.”

Drilling down to OFBC’s longevity, success and growing demand around the world, Jane said that one of the company’s secret weapons was its use of fresh, local ingredients wherever possible including 100% New Zealand butter, cream, milk, cream cheese, fresh eggs, chocolate and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

“We are passionate about supporting local growers and farmers and continuing to promote our products to the world, which in turn supports employment, tourism and growth”, Jane said.

“Enjoying a freshly baked, sweet treat is one of life’s simple pleasures and we hope to continue to create those experiences for our customers for the next 25 years and beyond.”

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