Daniel Cruden is the owner of the Real Bread Project, a business that makes – you guessed it – real bread.

Daniel has lived in Parakai for nearly three years with his wife and two young children. “I started the Real Bread Project because I wanted to bring quality bread to my local community”, says Daniel.

Daniel’s been baking for 20 years, having worked in several bakeries across Auckland. His most recent endeavour prior to the Real Bread Project was the highly successful Amano Bakery. Based in Auckland’s chic downtown Britomart, Daniel helped create, setup and run Amano bakery, known for its mouthwatering baked goods.

Now his moreish creations are coming to Helensville. “I am currently in the process of opening a shop in Helensville,” says Daniel, “in the meantime, customers can find my products at local stores or place an order through my Facebook page. We deliver locally.”

“Real bread is bread made from fresh ingredients and without the use of additives”, says Daniel. “Where possible, I use New Zealand sourced ingredients, too. My bread is hand-shaped and undergoes a long fermentation process.”

Daniel will be selling sourdough, wholemeal, grain bread and white bread, as well as pastries such as almond croissants, chocolate croissants and fruit danishes.

The likes of caramel donuts, raspberry croissants and savoury danishes filled with onion, tomato, feta and basil pesto have already made an appearance at Husk, the Kombuchery and MILC, as well as the local markets.

On his local stomping ground, Daniel says: “I think it is good to see growth out here. It has been interesting watching the area change. Helensville has a great community spirit. I love the rural views. It’s peaceful and quiet”.

For more information on the Real Bread Project, visit the Facebook page here.