Kara Foodservice Turns 40: Meet the People Behind the Brand
16th June 2025
At Kara, we’re celebrating 40 years of supplying high-quality bakery products to the out of home (OOH) and foodservice sectors. What started in 1985 as a humble, singular production line, the business has since evolved into a nationally recognised brand – now operating as part of Finsbury Food Group, one of the UK’s leading wholesale bakery suppliers & manufacturers.
To mark this major milestone, we’ve sat down with key members within the business to learn about their journey, their experiences, and their predictions for the next four decades (and beyond) of Kara.
Here, we speak to Sally Nicholson, Sales Director Out of Home (OOH) at Finsbury Food Group, who has over a decade of experience within the business and currently leads Kara’s commercial strategy in the Kara Foodservice turns 40.
Can you tell us a little about the history of Kara Foodservice?
“Kara’s journey began in 1985 with a single production line under United Biscuits, supplying ambient bakery products to customers like Wimpy.
- “Then in 1990, the site was sold to Northern Foods, and the Kara brand was born – its name chosen via a team competition.
- “Two years later, freezing technology was introduced, revolutionising product reach, quality, and consistency.
- “Kara joined Fletchers Group of Bakeries in 2006, unlocking £1 million in investment to double its cold store capacity.
- “By 2014, it became part of Finsbury Food Group, paving the way for major growth across product ranges and the OOH market.
- “And over the past decade, the business has continued to evolve and expand and looks forward to an exciting future in the foodservice industry.”
What does your current role entail?
“I lead the OOH team for Finsbury. This covers all aspects of foodservice sales – from buying groups and wholesalers to direct end users like pubs and quick-serve restaurants (QSR).
“My role is both strategic and hands-on as I help to guide the team’s priorities and build strong relationships both internally and externally across Finsbury. I also act as a bridge between the foodservice world and the broader OOH sector, making sure we stay aligned and agile.”
What are your long-term goals for Kara Foodservice?
“We’re focused on growth with both current and new customers. With the UK eating out market forecast to grow by +2.6% in 2025 to £101bn and stabilising through 2028, we see strong potential, especially in QSR and food-to-go channels.
“For us at Kara, menu innovation is key. As the number one bakery supplier in wholesale, backed by the agility and infrastructure of Finsbury, we use market insights to help our customers stay ahead of trends. Over the next three to five years, we’ll continue to grow our buns and rolls range, strengthen end-user relationships, and lead on flavour innovation.
“As consumer preferences evolve, we’re committed to helping our partners adapt – whether through strategic innovation or brand refreshes. Our goal is to stay at the forefront of the OOH market and support our customers with solutions that drive long-term value.”
How is Kara Foodservice performing in the market?
“It’s no secret that the UK market is tough right now. Costs are up, purse strings are tight, and everyone is feeling the pressure.
“That said, Kara is showing real resilience. Certain areas, particularly QSR, are performing strongly and noting significant growth. We’ve adapted quickly to changing conditions, and that agility has helped us tap into the right markets at the right time. We believe it’s about staying relevant and responsive – qualities that have served us well for the past 40 years.”
Kara Foodservice is celebrating its 40th birthday. To what do you attribute the company’s success?
“Our versatile bakery portfolio, deep-rooted commitment to service, and strong presence in the OOH market sets us apart. And we invest heavily in research, insights, and innovation to stay ahead of trends, not just follow them.
“But above all, none of this would be possible without the incredible people behind the brand. Many of our 116-strong team have been with us for 10, 20 or even 30+ years – a kind of loyalty and expertise that is incredibly rare but a true testament to the business.”
How does Kara demonstrate a commitment to people and community?
“Committed to supporting our people, we offer long-term opportunities and progression, and many team members have built their careers with us.
“In the community, we’re proud to support local charities Feed My City, contributing to its nourishing food parcels, and Bury Hospice through donations and fundraising. And last year we donated 1.8 tonnes of food waste to The Bread and Butter Thing – part of Finsbury’s 23.4 tonne total, helping to create 56,000 meals and save over 58,000kg of CO2.”
What is Kara Foodservice doing in the area of sustainability?
“We’re aligned with Finsbury’s broader sustainability goals – focused on reducing food waste, improving energy efficiency, and operating more responsibly.
“A recent £1million investment upgraded our systems, resulting in 99% LED lighting and the use of a management system to track and improve performance.”
How digital is the business, and do you offer any IT support to your customers?
“The digital side of our business is growing fast. We’re currently investing in a major project to introduce automated ordering and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems.
“While the foodservice sector can be quite traditional, with many customers still preferring manual processes, we want to offer both. Digital transformation is a big focus for us in 2025 and beyond, and we’re excited to bring new tools and efficiencies to our partners.”
How many products does your business supply, and what categories do you cover?
“We offer around 80 core bakery products under the Kara brand, including best-selling buns and sweet treats.
“Additionally, we support a wide range of our own-brand lines, especially for wholesalers and buying groups. A key part of our offer is developing bespoke solutions with customers, helping them bring new products to market quickly, compliantly, and collaboratively.”
How has the wholesale industry changed in recent years?
“The industry has seen many significant shifts over the years – the most recent transformation following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw consolidation, acquisitions, and new entrants reshaping the landscape. It’s a sector that is fast-moving, but our dedicated team stays agile and responsive.
“Kara’s 40-year legacy reflects our ability to evolve with the market. Despite the changes, our focus remains the same: delivering quality, innovation, and a reliable service.”
Get in touch with a member of our team to discover how Kara Foodservice could help you transform your menu.