Editor's Memo | Modern Baking
Dedicated staff makes for a successful bakery
A business is nothing without its employees, and bakeries are no exception. This especially holds true for this year’s Retail Bakery of the Year, LaSalle Bakery in Providence, R.I. ...
Restrictions and expansions
Two slightly ironic items crossed my desk this month. One was the Massachusetts decree banning sweetgoods in school lunches...
What makes a leader?
Every summer, Modern Baking’s editors take a step back from our usual routine of feature writing to take a look at the industry as a whole and focus on several bakeries that really do something right...
It’s always a tightrope
Every other year, Modern Baking takes a close look at the retail bakery industry...
Where the customers are
As bakers, you make decisions every day. Some are small, like what color sprinkles should go on the cupcakes today, but others are bigger, like is time to raise prices......
Don’t fear competition
For some business owners, their natural inclination is to want to be the only one offering a product or service....
On a TV near you
At the recent BEMA Winter Summit, Thierry Reunbrouck, regional merchant bakery operations of H.E.B. and one of the conference speakers, briefly mentioned that with the spate of food/baking/decorating TV shows, customers are more aware of trends than ever, and those trends change rapidly....
Whole grain goodnes
Sometimes the stars align. I recently visited Portland, Ore., and besides taking some time to see family, hike a mountain and visit some truly amazing bakeries...
Retail Bakers of America change operational structure
The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is excited to announce changes in its organizational structure designed to adjust to the changing needs of its members and the baking community...
Is now the time to expand?
In an uncertain economy, people often behave like squirrels in autumn, hoarding everything they come across for a day when the situation will get worse...
Benefits of a bad economy
As 2010 draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the year...
Are your products priced right?
The price is right is not just a game show, it is a game you should play with your own products...
Clever marketing or false advertising?
For the past several years, the hottest product in the baking business has been the cupcake...
Bakery tweeting made easier
Wouldn’t it be great if your customers could know exactly when fresh product was about to hit your shelves...
Coupons still a hot commodity
Coupons are what onthe- go shoppers want, according to a new report by mobile media company JiWire...
Small-biz owners gloomy about economy
A poll conducted on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reveals that small business owners are much more pessimistic about the economy than the average voter...
Grains–food or fuel?
Russia’s recent announcement that it is extending its ban on grain exports until the end of next year once again sent wheat futures prices soaring...
Enthusiasm is contagious
Holy buckets of excitement, Batman! This month features Modern Baking's annual Retail Bakery of the Year award, and while it usually generates a certain...
Simple stages a comeback
For several years, the food scene has been populated with fusion foods and preparation styles that use ingredients or production techniques in unexpected...
What is natural?
This month is Modern Baking's biennial Supermarket Bakery Research issue. It is meant to be a barometer of how the industry is faring, and may provide...
Brand yourself in five words
A few months ago, when I shared the adventures of my great Parisian Macaron Taste Test, I talked about bakeries needing to decide where they fell on the...
It's a small world; consumers want to save it
As this issue was coming together, I was struck by the juxtaposition of people wanting to save the planet (going green) and also wanting to let everyone...
In the land of macarons
There is nothing like attending a trade show to rejuvenate and reinspire. This month is full of bakery shows, one of which is Europain in Paris. Walking...
What's the next big thing?
In an industry where satisfying customer cravings is key, bakers are always on the hunt to offer the product that customers can't seem to live without....
Looking ahead
January marked the beginning of a not only a new year, but a new decade. And the beginning is less than auspicious. The nation as a whole seems to be...
