Story: Rohan Francis
Shoppers in Fir Vale will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth when Kashmir Crown Bakery, the biggest Asian sweet and confectionery manufacturers in Europe, opens its first South Yorkshire store in Fir Vale on 28th September.
Originally begun by proprietor Mohammed Saleem in 1969 with the tiny sum of £55, KCB has grown into a thriving business with outlets across the north-west and contracts to supply some of the country's largest retailers.
The Bradford baking giant has invested almost £200,000 in its premises at 502- 504 Barnsley Road, transforming the interiors of two shops into one purpose built retail space and bakery. Managing Director, Asif Saleem explained why they had decided to choose to open up here.
“Many of our customers come from this area. People were regularly travelling from Rotherham and Sheffield all the way to Bradford for our products. We decided on Fir Vale because it has a good community, good transport links and a thriving business centre. We are a family business and Fir Vale is somewhere we believe we can become established in the community and hopefully grow. We also hope to employ local people.”
The shop will produce and sell its own range of over 250 speciality celebration cakes, pastries, Methai and biscuits, the quality of which has earned the business the title 'The Mr Kipling of Asian sweets'. A deli bar will also serve savoury snacks, sandwiches and paninis.
Kashmir Crown Bakery will open its doors on 28th September with a special celebration featuring 10% discounts on all products on 28th and 29th September.