14,000 BCE
The first loaf
Where it all began. Evidence of early bread-making practices, where hunter-gatherers rolled grains into flour and baked bread-like substances.
1826
The gas oven gamechanger
Fast forward a few eras to Northampton, where James Sharp was busy creating the gas oven, revolutionising bread-making production forever more.
1985
Kara’s origins are born
A single production line in Whitefield, Manchester, began under United Biscuits, producing and delivering ambient bakery products, with Wimpy as a cornerstone customer.
1989
Acquired by Grand Metropolitan PLC
After the acquisition, a second production line was installed in the now-renamed Oaklands site. Burger King was added as a customer as they received daily ambient buns and rolls.
1990
Kara is born!
As the production site was sold to Northern Foods, the Kara name was created!
The team held a competition to decide on the name for the production site and ‘Kara’ was the winner, named lovingly after someone’s daughter.
1992
Freezing capabilities
Freezing capabilities were also introduced as our industrial freezer was built.
1992
Northern Foods expansion
The 3rd generation of Fletcher bakers, Paul Fletcher, sold the company to Northern Foods. Northern Foods then bought Fletchers Bakeries as the expansion continued.
2006
Sold to Vision Capital under Fletchers Group of Bakeries
The move allowed for an investment of £1 million to expand the cold store, which doubled in size and doubled our frozen product capabilities.
2014
Fletchers Group of Bakeries acquired by Finsbury Food Group
The beginning of a new era, as we joined the roster of Finsbury Food Groups bakery specialists. £1 million worth of investment in our doughball plant and buns, brioche and roll capabilities.
2024
Kara celebrates 40 years of baking excellence!
A 40-year journey of growth, delivering, innovation and leading baking excellence. As we turn 40, we’re grateful for our past and more excited than ever for our future!
