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 in his 20’s, Ron has expanded the bakery in various ways; venturing into international export, national supermarket chains and Quick Service Restaurants, and opened a large two-level café right here in Rangiora– Artisan by Rangiora Bakery.
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 and handcrafted techniques 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, Quick Service Restaurant chains, supermarkets, cafés and other businesses throughout New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Islands, Asia and the Middle East, meeting rigorous food safety standards and quality testing 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, won the Bakery Industry Association of New Zealand’s coveted ‘Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun’ competition in 2020 and 2021, won ‘New Zealand’s Best Stollen’ award in the Baking New Zealand Christmas competition in 2022, and in the Bakels Supreme Pie Awards came second in 2023 then in 2024 won overall Supreme Winner as well as gold in Mince & Gravy category.
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, walking on the beach, playing pickleball and doing the walks in our hills.
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!!!