SALSA Success: Ayesha Foods - Fourteen Years of Commitment
Ayesha Foods is a leading UK manufacturer of premium, authentic South Asian savoury products with over 30 years' heritage supplying the foodservice, catering and hospitality sectors. Established in Bradford in 1989 by founders Ayesha and Abdulkadar, what began as a small family venture built on traditional recipes has grown into a recognised premium food service supplier.
The business is rooted in traditional handmade practice using high-quality halal ingredients, resulting in consistent flavour and trusted performance across menus nationwide. The core range includes samosas, onion bhajis, pakoras, cutlets, kebabs and rolls, alongside deluxe and gluten-free options supporting evolving dietary and menu requirements.
From Local Production to Premium Food Service
Since becoming SALSA Approved, Ayesha Foods has progressed significantly. Certification provided the structure and external validation needed to expand confidently into new markets.
"SALSA certification has been the golden stamp that enabled us to position ourselves as a premium supplier."
That positioning has opened doors across foodservice wholesalers, independent and national pub groups, the education sector, football grounds, and airline catering. For buyers, SALSA provides independent assurance of food safety, traceability and compliance. For Ayesha Foods, it has unlocked opportunities that would otherwise have remained closed.
Leadership and Structured Systems
Food safety governance sits at leadership level at Ayesha Foods, with structured reviews, internal verification and continuous oversight.
Sahil, Sales and Marketing Manager, develops and strengthens the compliance systems and technology that operate behind the scenes. Digital traceability, allergen controls, documented process controls, and live records ensure that what is written in procedures is reflected in practice. Safina Tai leads the SALSA audit process year on year, ensuring all products meet robust HACCP standards. Murad, Operations Manager, oversees production and logistics, maintaining operational standards daily so that production discipline aligns fully with documented systems.
More Than a Certificate
At Ayesha Foods, SALSA is not simply a certificate displayed on the wall. It is a framework that supports growth, operational resilience and market credibility.
Fourteen consecutive successful audits demonstrate consistency, transparency and a long-term commitment to improvement.
"For small and growing manufacturers, SALSA can be transformative. It provides structure internally and confidence externally. For Ayesha Foods, it has enabled us to honour our parents' original vision while building a modern, compliant and trusted food manufacturing business."
