Life is sweet in Emu Plains

Gingerbread homes built with green power.

In 2000 Karen Sharman, an architect, and husband Dominic Mason, a marine biologist, decided to cut ties with the corporate world and embark on a road trip around Australia. The couple were inspired, and it was during this time the concept for Gingerbread Folk was born. 

Their goal was to create a businessthat wasn’t just about making money but building an ethical and sustainable business, being something close to their heart and the root of their passion.

2001 saw Karen and Dominic open Gingerbread Folk in a rented premise in the lower Blue Mountains, the company thrived and the need to expand saw them look elsewhere. Proximity to the facilities they need, transport links, and “the choice of a myriad of local restaurants” were among the many reasons Gingerbread Folk chose Penrith New West. In 2016 they moved to their current warehouse in Emu Plains and haven't looked back since, with their products even being exported overseas

Gingerbread Folk use green power and rooftop solar panels to power the business. They have used 100% green power for the last 6 years.  

Beyond using green power, all their packaging is either compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. Much of the cardboard packaging is from recycled material and all is ethically sourced. The business is constantly looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment.

As well as gingerbread houses they manufacture individual cookies, gift boxes and Christmas tree kits, which come in traditional, chocolate and gluten-free gingerbread, which are all vegan, palm oil, nut and additive free.

“We make in excess of 40,000 gingerbread house kits a year,” Karen said These are sold through specialty gourmet food stores, department stores such as MYER and exported to many Asian countries.

They also supply to corporate clients and not-for-profits as gifting and fundraising solutions. “This year we have pivoted our offer as many businesses will be sending gingerbread house kits directly to people’s households as they are ‘working from home’. Many companies are not running Christmas lunches or gatherings due to Covid, and instead looking for premium gifts that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” Karen said

Image: Provided by Gingerbread Folk