As economic uncertainty continues to challenge bakery businesses, there is a need to be aware of and adapt to several key issues and trends to attract and retain customers and to distinguish your operation in the marketplace:
Quality and value still king To succeed in a tough economy, bakers need to find the right balance between product quality and reasonable prices. “Throughout the recent economic upheaval, quality remained the one constant,” according to William Seppi, general manager, Costeaux French Bakery, Healdsburg, Calif., as quoted in Baking Management magazine. “Bakers should continue to leverage themselves by offering quality baked products at reasonable prices.” In addition, he recommends bakeries continue to refine their daily operations by evaluating products and eliminating those that are unprofitable.
Providing you with high quality bakery products is a driving force at Baker Boy. That’s because we know how vital it is to the success of your bakery. Our full line of high-quality, great tasting bakery products are crafted by real hands with real heart to help you build customer satisfaction and drive sales.
Healthy food options Consumers are actively searching out healthier food options and baked goods are no exception. Catering to customer needs with whole grain selections along with gluten-free and lower sodium items can help you attract a new group of customers to your bakery.
While consumers want healthier food options, they won’t sacrifice on taste, and they are sensitive to price. The annual trends report from the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association – “What’s in Store 2010 found that most consumers say they won’t pay extra for healthful bakery items. Among those who will, whole-grain products top the list of specialty products deemed “worth the extra cost”.
Related to this is the growing demand for bakery products with clean labels that include the fewest ingredients and no additives, according to USA Today.
To satisfy these health-conscious consumers, Baker Boy offers an extensive line of whole grain baked goods that taste as good as they are good for you. Not only are our whole grain products easy to prepare, they offer the perfect solution for meeting daily grain requirements. Virtually all of our products have zero trans fats per serving.
Fresh and local One of the biggest trends in the food category is offering fresh, locally grown foods. Whether it’s blueberries from Maine, cheese from Vermont or avocados from California, “fresh and local” makes it a featured ingredient.
As a local bakery offering fresh baked goods daily, you are already well positioned to benefit from the “fresh and local” halo. Take advantage of it by offering seasonal items using fresh, local fruits and ingredients. Baker Boy’s labor-saving doughs can give you a fast head start.
Sustainability and green practices Sustainability continues to be important, however, skeptical consumers increasingly want more proof about green practices. According to Mintel research, 25 percent of consumers are suspicious when a company claims to be green. “Good stewardship is vital to bakeries,” says John Popp, president, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, Fort Wayne, Ind., as cited in Baking Management magazine. “Consumers appreciate and will reward businesses that recycle, help keep our air and water clean and conserve our natural resources.”
Tasteful, functional packaging Another consumer-driven trend related to healthy eating and sustainability is a move to smaller portion sizes and more “green” packaging options. Tasteful, functional packaging is an important consideration when consumers select baked goods.
Around the clock offerings Consumers’ lives are more complicated and busier than ever these days, creating a 24/7 shopping cycle. People “on the go” shop at all hours of the day and night -- so you need to offer a variety of baked goods suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks, etc. That means going beyond sweet goods and offering savory items as well. Whether it is adding cheese and vegetables to breads and rolls or offering calzones and stuffed croissants, baked goods can be a fit for every meal.
Baker Boy products come in a variety of forms that require little to no preparation, so you can keep shelves and display cases filled with fresh-tasting products anytime of the day or night.