The baking industry is booming despite the pandemic. This is since people are baking more at home. They found baking a relaxing and interesting hobby, which is why more people turned to baking as a way of adapting to the crisis.
This newfound popularity for all things baking also helped baking businesses thrive. As the demand for baked goods increases, so does the pressure on baking companies to keep up with consumers’ demand. The following are three challenges baking brands face and how these companies manage them.
Consistency in Quality
Many baking companies face a challenge in maintaining the quality of their products. Baking is a science, and even the slightest change in ingredients can result in a completely different outcome. This is why it’s important for bakers to be precise when measuring ingredients and to follow recipes to a T.
It’s also essential for baking companies to use high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that the end product is tasty and will meet consumer expectations. Using high-quality ingredients consistently helps baking companies maintain the quality of their products.
Investing in the right tools and equipment is another way baking companies can maintain the quality of their products. Having the right tools ensures that baked goods are baked evenly and turn out perfectly every time. This is why baking companies would invest in certain equipment to ensure consistency for every baked product.
For one, baking companies now make it a point to find reliable manufacturers of liquid filling machines. These machines play a vital role in maintaining the quality of filled baked goods by helping ensure that each product is filled with the same amount of filling every single time. This reduces human error and inconsistency, two factors that can significantly affect the quality of products.
The same goes when companies find manufacturers that can also cater to their baking equipment maintenance needs. As much as possible, it makes sense to find suppliers that can provide various baking tools and equipment. This way, the company can be assured that they’re getting good quality machines and excellent after-sales service.
Managing Ingredient Costs
Ingredients are one of the most significant expenses for any baking company. This is why tracking trends and taking advantage of sales and discounts is important.
For example, the price of flour, the main ingredient in baking, has been on the rise in recent years. According to reports, the costs of flour rose around 20% to up to 50% during the pandemic. Since flour costs continue to increase, bakers scramble to find ways to cut corners without compromising the quality of their products. Some would use cheaper flour, while others would reduce the amount used in each recipe.
Baking companies can also manage ingredient costs by using alternative ingredients. For instance, some bakers have started using oat flour to cut down on wheat flour usage. Oat flour is not only more affordable but is also healthier since it’s packed with nutrients.
Another way to manage ingredient costs is by bulk-buying ingredients. This helps baking companies get a discount on the ingredients they need. Baking companies can also store these ingredients properly to ensure that they’re still fresh when it’s time to use them.
Difficulty Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers
Many baking companies face the challenge of attracting and retaining skilled workers. This is because the baking industry is quite competitive, and many other businesses offer better pay and working conditions.
Baking companies need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract skilled workers, i. In addition to offering a good salary, bakeries should also provide health insurance and other benefits, such as paid vacation days. By offering these incentives, bakeries can increase their chances of attracting skilled workers who will help them stay successful.
They should also provide training opportunities to help employees improve their skills. One can offer regular classes on cake decorating, bread making, and icing techniques, and employers can give their employees the chance to develop their skills and learn new techniques. Not only will this make for happier and more productive employees, but it will also result in better-quality products for customers.
It’s also crucial for baking companies to invest in the latest technology to make their operations more efficient. Technologies like dough sheeters and automatic cake decorators can help reduce the time and labor needed to produce baked goods. By investing in these technologies, companies reduce the need for manual labor, making the job more attractive to skilled workers.
These are but three challenges faced by many baking companies. While they may seem daunting, there are ways to overcome these challenges and keep your business running smoothly. By following the tips above, you can manage ingredient costs, attract and retain skilled workers, and keep your customers happy.
