Company History
Founded in Lincoln in 1982 by Peter Doughty (who had recognised the existence of an available market in importing Continental Cake products) the then “Continental Cakes” began business.
A continuous search across Europe for quality bakeries and products led to the obtaining of supplies from the Dutch company Lavrijsen, to be followed later by further Dutch, Belgian and French companies. By the year 1992 a customer base had been established with the Co-operative Societies of Lincoln, Coventry & East Mercia (Now known as Heart of England) and Nottingham, together with Spar stores, Londis stores, Coastal stores and many Independent shops. The sales force was now four vans with the eldest son Mark joining the business. The second son Carl joined three years later increasing the family involvement.
By continuing to negotiate for further suppliers the business was becoming more committed to UK manufacturers - who began to supply up to 60% of the stock purchased. For this reason it was decided that the business name should be changed to more fairly represent the coverage now being given – hence the name ‘Doughty Cakes’ was born. Own label products were introduced during the early 1990’s and are with us to this very day, stronger than ever due to the continuing policy of always obtaining the highest quality products, coupled with the best buying prices for all concerned. This has been achieved with the sole intention of always being able to compete with the larger wholesalers – without compromising the well-established Doughty Cakes Van Sales Service.
Doughty Cakes customer base continued to grow at a comfortable rate and it was decided in April 2001 that Doughty Cakes should become a Limited company, thus enabling the business to continue to support a very productive growth programme and at the same time provide the personal service on which the company’s reputation had been originally developed. In 2006 Doughty Cakes attained enormous recognition, when the family business was appointed Englands first official distributor of Manor Bakeries products, i.e Mr Kipling, Lyons and Cadburys. With eighteen suppliers now in the Doughty Cakes portfolio, offering the widest range of products and with an enlarged 3000 square feet depot, modern office accommodation, as well as using the latest computer systems, we believe we are in a unique position to supply an even greater range of products to our ever, expanding customer database.
