When your business dates back to the 1800s and is still going strong, you know you’re doing something right.
Ron van Til has been at the helm of Rangiora Bakery since 1990, but his family have run things since the 1960s when they purchased the then 100-year-old business. Taking over from his father, Ron has expanded the bakery, ventured into international export and opened a two-level café – Artisan Café.
Despite significant expansion in recent years, Ron has opted to keep his business in North Canterbury, citing the small community and loyal customers as key drivers to what he does. “For us, it’s all about the people,” says Ron. “We create products to what our customers want; not limited to what our machinery can produce.”
The business maintains a focus on using real ingredients to create bespoke products that keep their customers happy. From their Rangiora base, Ron and his team carefully prepare over 1100 different types of baked goods, from breads and buns to pies, savouries, cakes, slices and desserts. Many are sold locally, keeping the North Canterbury population stocked with delicious treats, but they also supply airlines, restaurants, cafes and other businesses throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, meeting rigorous food safety standards every step of the way.
And it’s not just the customers who love what Rangiora Bakery does: the business has been crowned ‘Baker of the Year’ numerous times and in 2020 won the coveted Great NZ Hot Cross Bun competition, officially naming theirs the best Hot Cross Buns in the country.
Hungry yet?
Q&A with Ron van Til from Rangiora Bakery
Why North Canterbury? I live in Rangiora so am passionate about the area and employing local people. The more local people we can employ, the less traffic on the arterial roads and allows us all to have a better work / life balance.
What’s your favourite thing to do in North Canterbury? I love fishing off Motunau, walking on the beach and doing the walks in our hill.
Name your top three North Canterbury brands (other than your own!): Mainpower – an asset to our community, Pulse Electrical – great service, Karikaas – love their aged gouda!!!