A family story ...
Established in 1985 as Authentic Indian Foods, by Lak and Kamal Basran, we changed our name to The Authentic Food Company in 2000 to encompass cuisines from other regions. Heavy investment in NPD has enabled us to offer caterers a diverse choice to enhance customer menus and meet current consumer demand.
Building on our reputation as a quality supplier of international foods, we now boast cuisines from China, Mexico, Thailand, the Mediterranean and the British and Classics ranges.
We have built an enviable reputation as market leader
We have built an enviable reputation as market leader in supplying the finest international dishes to Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels, Travel and Leisure, Business and Industry, Healthcare and Education across the UK and Europe. Our Chairman, Lak Basran has been awarded an MBE as recognition to his services in the Food and Drink Industry.
The team of executive chefs ensure every product meets the company’s stringent requirements for quality and taste. All of our chefs are experienced professionals with a passion for creating only the finest products. Our team also works closely with the customer to provide bespoke solutions.
Headquartered in Manchester, we now have three sites: A factory in Stockport at 15, 000 sq ft; one in Sharston at 40, 000 sq ft and our newest addition at Cheadle which is currently being used as storage for ambient products. We have over 230 employees working across all three sites and in 2006 achieved a turnover of almost £25m with plans to hit £50m by 2009.
We have been awarded a one star accreditation from best companies for the past two years and have also held IIP status for nine years. In November 2007, we were awarded the Caterer and Excellence awards for two of our top selling lines: Aromatic Thai King Prawn Curry and Sweet Potato, Chick Pea and Spinach Curry. These awards clearly demonstrate that we are at the forefront of innovation and quality in the frozen food market and committed to ongoing training and development.
Mission Statement
Our RECIPE FOR SUCCESS is to create authentic dishes by -
- Being a team of caring people in a happy, professional and quality conscious environment.
- Servicing a range of selected customers with a menu of tasty meals blended with ingredients from specially chosen suppliers.
- Being innovative leaders in new product development and marketing.
Quality
We constantly strive to be the best in our field and this quality ethos runs through the business from the materials we procure to the people we employ.
Good Nature
People in our business need to show emotional and intellectual intelligence to those around them. We all work together to reach our goals and we share information and knowledge to reach our targets sooner.
People Focus
Our people make our business. We will continually recruit the best people to bring in new skills whilst also training and developing existing members of our team.
Happy Focus
We have fun when we work. Enjoying yourself is an integral part of working at The Authentic Food Company.
Professional
There is however, no substitute for consummate professionalism and hard work at all times.
Customer Focus
We would not be in business without our clients. We make sure we do all we can within the bounds of our enterprise to ensure that our clients are completely satisfied. Some of the most beneficial things you can do for your clients will not have a monetary value.
Supplier Focus
Treat these people as you would your customers. Be tough in negotiations, but a true strategic partnership works both ways.
Innovation
This will drive us to levels of higher expectation. It flows through all areas of our business and is apparent in the way we tackle problems and find solutions. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our products, keeping in mind health implications.
Corporate Responsibility
We are part of a global community of businesses and behave as a responsible corporate citizen. Our action team strives to contribute positively and actively in the communities within which we do business.
Integrity
Our people must conduct themselves within the bounds of company values and in a manner which will preserve our most valuable asset – the trust and respect of our partners