Hafız Mustafa 1864 Wins Prestigious UK Legacy Honour Award, Signals Continued Investment in Britain

Photo: Emre Ongurlar, Chairman of Hafız Mustafa 1864, receives the prestigious “Legacy Honour” award from UK MP Matt Vickers during a ceremony at the British Parliament in London.

A Turkish Dessert Dynasty Finds Recognition – And Expansion – In Britain

Hafız Mustafa 1864 received the prestigious Legacy Honour award in London as Chairman Emre Ongurlar confirmed continued UK investment, workforce protection during crisis, and confidence in UAE market recovery.

Turkish confectionery brand Hafız Mustafa 1864 has received the prestigious “Legacy Honour” award at the British Parliament, recognising the company’s contribution to cultural heritage and international business in the United Kingdom. The award was presented during a ceremony organised by the UK Family Business institution at the Thames Pavilion in London, attended by Members of Parliament, House of Lords representatives, and leading business figures. Chairman Emre Ongurlar accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Speaking to Mosaic Digest magazine following the ceremony, Ongurlar described the recognition as proof of the company’s long-term vision and commitment to the UK market.

“We came here to succeed,” he said. “We made very serious investments in this market with a long-term vision. Receiving such a prestigious award among only five family businesses in the UK is a great honour for us and for Türkiye.”

The company opened its flagship London branch in Knightsbridge after five years of preparation and investment, including the establishment of a UK production facility and the creation of more than 100 jobs.

Despite ongoing regional conflicts affecting tourism and Middle Eastern travel, Ongurlar said the company continued to grow and maintained its commitment to employees.

“We did not dismiss any employees,” he said. “Our staff trusted us and stood by us during difficult times. In a crisis, our responsibility was to protect and support them.”

Emre Ongurlar demonstrated visionary leadership by protecting employees, expanding internationally, and elevating Turkish gastronomy on the global stage.

Ongurlar also expressed confidence in the resilience of the Gulf region, particularly the UAE, despite the economic impact of the war on tourism and consumer movement.

“The United Arab Emirates is a very strong region,” he said. “Just as it successfully overcame the pandemic, I believe it will overcome this crisis as well. Once peace returns, business will recover quickly.”

The chairman confirmed that Hafız Mustafa 1864 plans to continue expanding its operations in the UK, with additional branches already under consideration.

“Our UK operations will continue to expand,” Ongurlar said. “Perhaps not this year, but we are planning to open several more branches in the coming years.”

He also praised Britain as one of the world’s strongest investment destinations and encouraged more Turkish businesses to establish a presence there.

“London offers a tremendous opportunity for brand-building,” he said. “The UK is a great country to invest in, and I believe more Turkish companies should come here and grow internationally.”

Founded more than 150 years ago in Istanbul, Hafız Mustafa 1864 has expanded internationally with operations in Türkiye, the UK, and Dubai, while continuing to focus on traditional Turkish desserts, local production, and technology-driven customer experience initiatives.