Perera and Sons family bakery will turn 110

When K.A. Charles Perera who hailed from the remote Southern village of Kodagoda baked his first loaf of bread at the turn of the 20th century he wouldn't have imagined that he was founding an empire.

Perera and Sons, the multi-faceted family bakery will turn 110 years on July 17 marking a milestone in the country's bakery and confectionery industry which has grown leaps and bounds over the years.

Charles Perera is the great-grandfather of today's fourth generation management of the company which was set up in 1902. The pioneering entrepreneur undertook a daunting task during the colonial era to sell bakery products in Colombo. He used an old baking tray and with the support of his loyal assistant Anthony Bas laid the foundation for an industry which is today a household name in the country.

Perea and Sons will set up its 110th outlet in Kalubowila to mark its anniversary shortly.

"We are happy for this achievement which spurs us on to look at the future with great optimism. Times have changed but we know the tastes of people who love our products", said Gehan Perera the great-grandson of Charles Perera. From humble beginnings the company has grown to be a leading confectionery manufacturer with outlets island wide. The company is expanding its production plants in Kurunegala, Matara, Dambulla and Kandy.

"We have invested over Rs. 50 million this year to expand our operations," Perera said.

Perera and Sons plans to set up outlets in India and Maldives shortly. The company is negotiating with prospective investor to set up operation in Maldives soon.

"We will set up outlets in the North and the East which are potential markets today", he said.

Perea and Sons made history by importing the first electric oven from Britain and it has achieved many accolades at local and internationalculinery exhibitions. One of its chefs has been selected for this year's culinary Olympics in Germany. "The company has always relied on its employees who are a great strength. We have invested in developing the skills of workers by proving them local and international exposure," Perera said.

We are happy to have associated a great company which has been serving the food industry of the country for five generations", a chef said.

The company commenced catering operations and automated the production facilities to enhance the product portfolio- catering to the urban and discerning customers across the country. The company opened "Cravings' for desserts and Bars Café' for dinning. The company has recorded a 15-20 percent annual growth and competes with many fast food chains across the country. It employees around 1,100 workers in currently 109 outlets. LF