October 26th 2024.
Sukh Chamdal and Pardip Dass joined forces in 2008 to create Cake Box, which has become a beacon of hope amidst the struggling British high street. As you walk down your local high street, you may notice a trend of boarded up windows and "everything must go" signs. With an average of 38 shops closing every day, it's a grim reality for brick and mortar retailers. However, Cake Box has defied the odds and continues to thrive.
The bakery brand, with its unique selling point of egg-free cakes, has been a game-changer in the industry. Sukh, a former Indian sweet chef, noticed a gap in the market when his daughter expressed her disapproval of cakes containing eggs due to her lacto-vegetarian diet. Determined to create a solution, Sukh attended a food technology seminar and six weeks later, Cake Box was born.
Despite the challenges of a struggling high street, Cake Box has managed to expand from one location to over 250 across the UK in just 16 years. The company's revenue of £37.84 million in the last year alone and a recent offer of £80 million for a takeover bid from River Capital are a testament to its success. However, Sukh refused the bid, stating that Cake Box is stronger than ever and the offer undervalued the company.
But what sets Cake Box apart from other businesses struggling on the high street? The answer lies in their egg-free recipes, making their products suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets and appealing to the million-strong Hindu community in the UK. Sukh also attributes their success to their focus on customer experience, with the option of advanced orders and click and collect for freshly-made, personalized cakes in just one hour.
For Sukh, Cake Box is more than just a business, it's a family. He and Pardip have known each other since childhood, and their fathers are lifelong friends from the same village in India. Sukh's daughters are also franchisees, and many of the company's stores are run by relatives of existing franchise owners. This family-oriented approach is reflected in the company's values, as seen during the pandemic when other franchisees stepped in to keep a shop running when the staff was affected by COVID-19.
This sense of family and community is also evident in the role Cake Box plays in people's lives. Their cakes are not just a dessert, but a centerpiece for celebrations and important moments shared with loved ones. For many in the South Asian diaspora, Cake Box's offerings bring a taste of home and nostalgia, with the ability to personalize cakes and even offer traditional treats for special occasions like Diwali and Eid.
In a world where everything seems to be moving online, Cake Box has managed to strike a balance by offering the convenience of online ordering while maintaining the personal touch of a brick and mortar store. It's no wonder that Cake Box has become a success story, and their continued expansion shows no signs of slowing down. As Metro audience growth editor Anushka Suharu puts it, "with every new store, [Cake Box] brings us a small and sweet piece of home."
Sukh Chamdal and Pardip Dass came together to co-found Cake Box in 2008, with a vision to provide something unique and special in the world of baked goods. As you walk down your local high street today, you may notice a trend of boarded up windows and going out of business sales. But amidst this decline in brick and mortar retailers, Cake Box stands out as a shining success story.
The bakery brand, known for its egg-free cakes, has grown from a single location to over 250 outlets across the UK in just 16 years. This is a remarkable feat, especially in a time when businesses are struggling to stay afloat due to rising inflation and changing consumer habits. Sukh Chamdal, a former Indian sweet chef with a lacto-vegetarian diet, noticed a gap in the market when his daughter refused to eat cakes with eggs. This sparked the idea for Cake Box, and with the help of a food technology seminar and a six-week recipe development process, the bakery was born.
Cake Box's success is not only due to its unique selling point of being egg-free, but also its focus on customer experience and convenience. Customers can order personalized cakes and pick them up within an hour, making it the "Amazon of cakes." This approach, along with its strong customer base and loyal following from the Hindu community, has helped Cake Box thrive in the challenging retail landscape.
Sukh attributes the success of Cake Box to its strong family values, which are deeply ingrained in the company's culture. Co-founder Pardip is Sukh's cousin, and their fathers are long-time friends from the same village in India. Even Sukh's daughters are franchisees with multiple Cake Box stores, and many franchise owners are relatives of existing owners. This sense of family extends to the company's employees as well, as seen during the pandemic when staff from one store stepped in to keep another store running when its employees were affected by COVID-19.
The importance of family is also reflected in the role that Cake Box plays in customers' lives. The bakery's cakes are often the centerpiece of celebrations, bringing people together and creating cherished memories. Many customers appreciate the familiarity and nostalgia of Cake Box's cakes, which taste similar to the ones they grew up with in their home countries. This is especially meaningful for members of the South Asian diaspora who have moved away from their families and culture.
In addition to its popular personalized cakes, Cake Box also offers traditional sweets for special occasions such as Diwali and Eid. This understanding and appreciation for different cultures and traditions has contributed to the brand's success and loyal customer base.
In a time when many businesses are struggling, Cake Box stands out as a thriving and growing company. Sukh Chamdal and Pardip Dass have not only created a successful bakery, but also a warm and welcoming community for customers and employees alike. With their focus on family, convenience, and unique products, it's no wonder that Cake Box is a top choice for celebrations and gatherings across the UK.
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