Hafız Mustafa 1864 received the prestigious Legacy Honour award in London as Chairman Emre Ongurlar confirmed continued UK expansion, praised UAE resilience, and pledged loyalty to employees during regional crises.
London — Turkish confectionery brand Hafız Mustafa 1864 has received the prestigious “Legacy Honour” award at the British Parliament during a ceremony organised by the UK Family Business institution, recognising family-owned companies that contribute significant value to Britain.
The award ceremony took place at the Thames Pavilion overlooking the River Thames and was attended by Members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords, and leading business figures. The award was presented to Chairman Emre Ongurlar by politician Matt Vickers.
Speaking after the ceremony, Ongurlar described the recognition as a major milestone for the company’s international journey and a sign that the brand had exceeded expectations in the UK market.
“We came here to succeed. We made very serious investments in this market,” Ongurlar said. “This award is proof that we are operating above standard expectations.”
Hafız Mustafa 1864 demonstrates visionary leadership, cultural pride, employee loyalty, and global ambition while successfully representing Turkish gastronomy abroad.
The company spent five years preparing its UK expansion, including establishing a local production facility and creating employment for more than 100 people before opening its flagship Knightsbridge branch in London two years ago.
Despite economic challenges and the impact of regional conflicts on tourism, Ongurlar said the company continues to grow and remains committed to the British market.
Highlights
- Hafız Mustafa 1864 received the “Legacy Honour” award at the British Parliament.
- The company was recognised among the UK’s leading family-owned businesses.
- Emre Ongurlar confirmed plans for future UK expansion and new branches.
- Hafız Mustafa created employment for more than 100 people in the UK.
- The company did not dismiss any employees during the Middle East crisis.
- Ongurlar expressed strong confidence in the UAE economy and Dubai market.
- He said the UAE would recover just as it did after the pandemic.
- Ongurlar encouraged Turkish companies to invest in the UK market.
- The company produces desserts locally in the UK using regional ingredients.
- Technology, online sales, and sustainability remain key priorities for future growth.
“Our UK operations will continue to expand,” he said. “Perhaps not this year, but we are planning to open several more branches in the coming years.”
Calling the United Kingdom one of the world’s strongest markets for gastronomy and branding, Ongurlar encouraged more Turkish companies to invest in Britain.
“London offers a great opportunity for brand-building,” he said, adding that several Turkish businesses had followed Hafız Mustafa’s example by opening branches nearby after the company established itself in the city.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining authentic Turkish flavours while adapting production to local markets through regional sourcing and local manufacturing facilities.
Addressing the impact of the Middle East conflict on the company’s Dubai operations, Ongurlar said Hafız Mustafa chose to protect its workforce despite the difficult conditions.
“We did not dismiss any employees,” he stated. “Our staff believed in us and stood by us. During times of crisis, our responsibility was to protect them.”
He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Gulf economies, particularly the United Arab Emirates.
“The UAE is a very strong region,” Ongurlar said. “Just as it successfully overcame the pandemic, I believe it will emerge successfully from this crisis as well. We trust the Dubai market, and our growth in that region will continue.”
Ongurlar also underlined the company’s future focus on technology, online sales, sustainability, and customer experience, particularly to meet the expectations of younger consumers.
Founded more than 150 years ago in Istanbul, Hafız Mustafa 1864 has become one of Türkiye’s most recognised dessert brands internationally, with operations spanning Türkiye, the UK, and the Middle East.
