A bakery should not only have signature items that keep customers coming back but should also add new and exciting products on a regular basis to boost sales. Many opportunities exist for bakery producers to sell their products in the retail grocery space.
What Are In-Store Bakery Programs?
Understanding retail bakery programs is essential if you are a manufacturer seeking to gain entry into the marketplace. In-store bakery programs offer various baked goods, including bread, cakes, pastries, cookies, and muffins.
Traditionally, these in-store bakery programs may employ trained bakers and pastry chefs to produce the baked goods on-site. The bakery may also have a separate kitchen area where the baking is done, or it may be integrated into the main retail area of the store. That said, the current emphasis is on sourcing third-party partners capable of producing bakery items and distributing them to the store.
Retail bakery programs are popular for supermarkets and other retailers to offer customers fresh, high-quality baked goods while also providing an additional source of revenue. In addition, these bakeries can be viewed as a prestige attraction for a brand, a value-added service that helps differentiate one retailer from another and attract and retain customers.
How Do I Add Product Lines To A Retail Bakery Program?
Adding new product lines to a current bakery program can be a great way to expand your business and offer more variety to bakery customers. Here are some steps you can follow when deciding which in-store bakery products to pitch to grocery store buyers.
Research and analyze the market:
Before pitching a new product line to a bakery program buyer, it's essential to research and analyzes the market to determine which products will be most in demand. You can look at industry trends, customer preferences, and the competition to identify potential product lines that could be successful.
Develop recipes and test them:
Once you have identified the product lines you want to pitch, developing and testing recipes is time. You may need to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create high-quality products that meet your customers' expectations. Of course, the cost is always a factor, so be mindful of current retail prices and how much you intend to sell the product to the retailer.
Production planning and sourcing:
After finalizing the recipes, you must plan how to produce and source the ingredients for your new product lines. Consider the equipment and space you'll need and the supplies and components required for each product.
1. Create a sell sheet and include a photo, ingredient statement, and other details such as pack size and weight of the product. Be sure to highlight each product line's unique features and benefits to attract customers. At this point, identify and reach out to in-store bakery buyers with samples.
2. Staff training: Training your staff to produce and sell the new product lines is essential. Make sure they understand the recipes, ingredients, and production processes so they can provide high-quality products and answer any customer questions.
You may need a third party to assist with getting the product in front of buyers. For example, you may know a bakery already producing an in-store grocery program that can introduce you to a buyer.
How Do I Market Current And New Products In A Bakery Program?
Whether you are producing for an in-store bakery or promoting from the store level, marketing bakery products effectively is essential to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These steps can help you sell your current and new bakery products:
Identify your target audience:
Consider the demographic profile of your potential customers, such as their age, gender, income level, and lifestyle. This research will help you tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and preferences.
Develop a strong brand identity:
Construct a unique brand identity that reflects your bakery's values and mission. Branding materials should include a distinctive logo, tagline, and packaging design to help your products stand out on the shelves.
Leverage social media:
Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your bakery products. Post enticing photos of your baked goods, and interact with your followers. These materials will help you build a robust online presence and reach a wider audience.
Offer promotions and discounts:
Offer discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs to incentivize customers to try your in-store bakery products. These promotions will help you build a loyal customer base and increase sales.
Collaborate with local businesses:
Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote your bakery products. Strong partnerships can help you reach new customers and create mutually beneficial relationships.
Attend industry showa and food events:
Participate in local food festivals or industry trade events to showcase your bakery products and connect with potential buyers. These relationships will help you raise brand awareness and generate buzz around your bakery.
Focus on quality and consistency:
Ensure that your in-store bakery products are consistently high-quality and meet customer expectations. This step will help you build a strong reputation and encourage repeat business.
Following these steps, you can effectively market your current and new bakery products and grow your business.
In-Store Bakery Program Ideas And Opportunities
Adding new products to the in-store bakery program and finding revenue opportunities can involve several steps, including:
Conduct market research:
Market research involves gathering information about customer preferences, demographics, and trends in the bakery industry. This research can help identify gaps in the current product offerings and areas where new products might succeed.
Analyze sales data:
Reviewing sales data for existing in-store bakery products can provide insights into which products are popular and which might be underperforming. This information can help guide decisions about which new products to introduce and how to price them.
Develop new products:
Once opportunities for new products have been identified, the next step is to develop them. Development might involve:
- Working with suppliers to source ingredients.
- Testing recipes.
- Determining the most efficient production processes.
Market and promote new products:
Once new products have been developed, promoting them effectively to potential customers is essential. This development might involve creating eye-catching displays in the store, offering samples to customers, and advertising the new products on social media or other marketing channels.
Monitor performance:
It's important to track sales data and customer feedback for new products to determine their success. This information can adjust pricing, production processes, and marketing strategies.
In terms of finding revenue opportunities, there are several potential strategies:
Offer seasonal or limited-time products:
- Introducing products that are only available for a limited time can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to purchase.
- Expand into new product categories
- Introducing new types of bakery products, such as gluten-free or vegan options, can attract new customers and increase sales.
- Offer customization options:
Allowing customers to personalize their in-store bakery products, such as by choosing different toppings or flavors, can increase the perceived value of the products and encourage repeat business.
Develop partnerships or collaborations:
Partnering with other local businesses, such as coffee shops or restaurants, can help expand the reach of your in-store bakery program and attract new customers.
Overall, adding new products and finding opportunities for revenue in an in-store bakery program requires market research, product development, marketing, and ongoing performance monitoring. Businesses can successfully grow and expand their bakery programs by carefully analyzing customer preferences and market trends and responding to feedback and data.
Looking to add products to an in-store bakery program and increase revenue? Seeking a partner to navigate the waters of retail grocery?
Chef Jimmy MacMillan and Pastry Virtuosity can help you develop new and existing product lines, introduce you to buyers and navigate the process from manufacturing to a retailer. Connect with Jimmy and receive a free business consultation.
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