An authentic taste
Afamily-run Thai ready meals business is venturing into the lucrative frozen food market after expanding its operation thanks to a council grant.
Llanferres-based Authentic Thai Cuisine, which is celebrating its 10th year in business, has made its name locally through an array of popular chilled meals.
But now Dtoi Harvey, who cooks her traditional and healthy cuisine from a converted lorry container at her home, is aiming to boost sales by selling frozen dishes as well, with agreements already in place to supply a popular farm shop and a caravan park.
Dtoi wanted to expand her operation after being approached by Rhug Estate Farm Shop in Corwen and Parc Farm Caravan Park in Llanarmon yn lal about providing them with frozen dishes.
Dtoi, who currently supplies garages and farm shops in Denbighshire and Flintshire, says entering the frozen food market means she will now be able to start selling her meals across the region.
She said: “I deliver the meals personally, I have to, so with frozen food it will last longer and go further. I can target bed and breakfasts and caravan parks as far as Betws y Coed.
“I don’t plan to go into big orders for a supermarket. I like to provide the area with authentic Thai food.
“I like to see the customer and shop owner to make sure they understand and know my food. I like talking to them.
“I’ve never done marketing or had a website – all my customers are through word of mouth.
“I don’t have time for that, I prefer to concentrate on my cooking. I’m confident in my food because it’s very special.
“I don’t use any additives or preservatives. They’re my selling points.”
The former nursery nurse, who runs her business with help from her husband Graham and her 20-yearold son Tom, added: “I’m very proud of my food – I work with pride and joy. It’s hard work but I’m happy.
“I’m excited about the next step and that I’ve been able to make a proper base for it.”
The 55-year-old, who uses the cooking skills she learned from childhood in her native country, was not in a position to cover the full cost of the upgrade required for her frozen food operation, so she applied to Denbighshire County Council for a 50% business grant and received £4,824 towards a brand-new blast chiller and freezer room.
The new acquisitions mean she can now begin supplying frozen meals on top of the 400 units she currently sells on a weekly basis.
She says the move would never have come to fruition had it not been for the help and support from Denbighshire County Council, as well as Business Wales.
Dtoi, who moved to north Wales 28 years ago, explained: “It’s all happened so quickly. I was eligible to apply for a grant and the council helped me to complete the form and to evaluate the costs.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it otherwise, it’s a lot of money. The advice from them and Business Wales has really helped me.
“My business is growing and I feel confident in taking this step. I currently sell 300-320 units a week, as well as 80 trays of noodles. My target is 350 chilled units.”
Dtoi has also been working with