The Bon Bakery
What’s your story? How did your business start?
Me and my husband are passionate foodies and we always had a sweet tooth, especially for Italian culinary delights. During one of our trips to Italy we stumbled upon a little bakery in Nepals where we had traditional Biscotti which to our surprise wasn’t as hard and sweet as ones we were used to in the UK. Recognizing the incredible potential and growing demand for these Italian treats, we were inspired to bring our own twist to this beloved classic. We saw an opportunity to create artisanal Biscotti and Bruschetta using premium ingredients, innovative flavour combinations and commitment to quality.
How many people are in your team?
Just two people work in our Bakery, I am baking all products and am responsible for the admin side of running our business and Billy is responsible for packing and deliveries.
Where are you based?
We are based in the fine city of Norwich.
What makes Bon Bakery a good place to work?
Our small bakery is fun from our home kitchen and even though it is small, we have great joy in creating delicious baked goods. We celebrate every accomplishment no matter how small and bake every day with love and joy. We are not always in the kitchen; every couple of weeks we take part in events all around Norfolk and Suffolk where we offer samples of our products to customers and meet lots of new people who share a love for good food while enjoying the beautiful scenery around us.
What makes your products unique?
At the Bon Bakery, we take pride in crafting Biscotti and Bruschetta that are truly one-of-a-kind. We believe that the combination of our passion for flavour, attention to detail and a sprinkle of innovation sets our creations apart. Our products are suitable for vegans, lactose intolerance, they are egg free, low in sugar and free from artificial flavourings.
Inspiration behind Bon Bakery?
Our packaging is inspired by the Norfolk region and its wildlife; Herring Gulls are Norfolk’s most misbehaving birds. Herons; the residents of Eton Park in Norwich, Peregrine Falcons living on the roof of the Norwich Cathedral, Cromer Crabs, Pine Trees of Thetford and Happisburgh Lighthouse. The Moroccan teapot in our logo represents an infusion of Italian recipes made from quality Norfolk sourced ingredients with a little sprinkle of a North African twist.
What’s something that customers may not realise about your business?
Most interesting fact about one of our products not many customers will realise is that the olive oil we use in our Rosemary and Olive Oil Bruschetta comes from our olive tree in the National Nature Reserve of Jbel Serj in Tunisia and is 100% natural, pure, organic and cold pressed olive oil.
Best business moment?
For us, the best business moment happens every time one of our customers compliments our products, we put lots of heart, hard work and dedication to make sure that all our biscuits are tasty and good quality and all is worthwhile when our customers recognise that.
A valuable lesson you have learned?
Embracing challenges for growth and innovation. I have witnessed firsthand how embracing challenges has led to growth and innovation in my business. By staying attuned to market demands and being receptive to feedback, we have been able to fine-tune our products to better meet the needs of our customers. This has allowed us to forge stronger relationships, expand our customer base and unlock new possibilities.
What is your favourite product? what do you pair if with?
I love every single one of our products, but the smell and taste of spice in our Spiced Fruit Biscotti always reminds me of my childhood and the spiced fruit buns my grandma baked for us for breakfast.
How many products do you sell?
At the moment we have eight flavours of biscotti; Almond, Spice Fruit, Coffee and Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, Lemon and Poppy Seed, Baklava and Sesame Seeds, Chocolate and Orange and Banana, and Chocolate and Pecan.
We have four flavours of Bruschetta, Rosemary and Olive oil, Parmesan cheese and Black Pepper, Mediterranean and Smoky Chilli.
But not for long! Currently, we are working on a few more flavours; Honey and Lavender Biscotti and Garlic, Thyme and Harissa Bruschetta.
What is next for your business?
Expansion and new horizons!
As a small business, we have always believed in dreaming big and pushing boundaries. Starting from moving to our first business premises (soon) and venturing to new horizons to take our business to the next level, to expanding to a wider range of markets with our new version, one serving size of biscotti.
Name one thing you couldn’t live without…
Family, I wouldn’t be able to live without them. My children and my husband are my fuel for life and support me in anything I do.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Environmental Stewardship – the ability to heal and restore the environment, with this power I could combat climate change, protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices, contributing to the well-being of the planet and future generations.
Favourite song and why?
Imagine – John Lennon. Amazing lyrics, calling for a world free of division and conflict, where people live in harmony no matter what nationality, religion or material status.
What is your best joke?
The baker in my town was secretly a noble.
I guess he was well-bread!