Oriental chain opens base in York

A SPECIALIST supermarket which stocks imported chinese food and ingredients has opened in York after securing funding.

Chi Yip Supermarket supplies a variety of Chinese foods from raw ingredients and spices to fresh produce and ready meals and is open to both the public and trade.

It is part of the Chi Yip Group which includes Red Chilli Restaurants and Ocean Treasure Seafood Restaurants and the York store is the second supermarket in the group’s portfolio.

The funding – from The Royal Bank of Scotland – will provide the supermarket with flexibility whilst the business becomes established and ensure it has the necessary capital in place to support its future growth as the company looks to open other supermarkets throughout Yorkshire.

Founded in 1980, the Chi Yip Group has grown from a small company to a major import-exporter with its own brands.

The group includes wholesale cash and carry operations as well as restaurants and property and the import and export operations.

It now employs 75 people and has an annual turnover of £30m.

Susan Tsang, manager of Chi Yip Supermarket, said: “We are really excited to be able to bring Chi Yip Supermarkets to Yorkshire. We have been looking for a suitable site to open for a while and it was a case of finding the right location. Our aim is to provide authentic Chinese food and ingredients to the general public and trade at affordable prices.”

Jeremy Rebbeck, RBS relationship manager, said: “Susan Tsang and her fellow directors know this market well. We have been impressed with their plans for Chi Yip Supermarket and wish them every success for the future.”