Baker Volume 14 Number 11



Editorial

As I sit down to write my editorial column for this, the last edition of the year, I cannot help but reflect on the year behind us. It has undoubtedly been a tough one for many in our industry as consumers have had to bite the bullet in terms of disposal income. Notwithstanding, we have heard of few fatalities which makes me think of the old adage, when the going gets tough the tough get going.

In this edition while we cannot offer a panacea for the country’s economic woes, we can divert your attention for a short time by offering you a mixed bag of interesting articles for your hopeful enjoyment. These include the critical need for training, advise on vehicle replacement and an overview of developing trends in various areas.

Training remains a major issue and this article takes a look at just how far reaching the consequences of disregarding this important aspect can be.

We also take a look at overseas trends in the cookie and biscuit sector, which highlights the importance of keeping abreast of international innovation.

November sees the arrival of a number of international visitors to our shores. They will be converging on the CTI CC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) for the 21st Annual International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference. The Baker extends a warm welcome to one and all.

In January we will be publishing The Baker Buyer’s Guide which remains a must-have for every player in the industry. In the meantime, visit the website www.thebaker.co.za over the quieter holiday season to discover a world of information and knowledge.

With this last bumper edition for 2010 in your hands, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers, our editorial contributors and our advertisers for their loyal support over the year. We also wish you a joyful festive season and a prosperous 2011!


Until next time!
Happy Baking!



 
Letters to the editor:
The Baker, PO Box 130676,
Bryanston, 2021 or
E-mail: newstr1@mweb.co.za




Inside Track

Our snippets on movers and shakers in the baking/confectionery and related industries include:

  • Opening of Pick ‘n Pay on Nicol
  • Baker Perkins appoints chief engineer
  • Potential Walmart entry raises doubts over safety food supply chain
  • Pioneer Foods settles all competition complaints against it
  • Master Pâtissier at Good Food and Wine Show
  • National Brands - The reviving cup
  • Business deals continue long after Africa’s Big Seven
  • Ciro introduces the Lavazza Blue Capsule System
  • Lord Sugar’s apprentices make mess of bakery task
  • Freshstop launches first corporate-owned store in Cape Town
  • A rising award
  • Yeast innovation meets functional trend
  • Read more...




    International Influences –
    Cookies remain a firm favourite

    The Baker takes a look at international biscuit trends, which
    illustrate increased growth, with standard choc chip flavours still
    being runaway category leaders and healthy ingredients
    becoming more in demand. Read more...

    Food Trends – Identifying consumers' purchasing trends

    Tracking your consumers’ buying trends can be a very helpful
    tool to significantly lift your sales. The Baker looks at the
    latest trends to help you adjust your offering
    and cater for the changing market. Read more...

    Training - Maintaining the edge with the right training

    The value of a well trained baker cannot be underestimated,
    are we equipped to meet the challenge?  Read more...

    Small Baker's Forum –Last minute mincemeat and mince pies

    Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without mince pies.
    You can see why in this easy mince pie recipe. Read more...

    Training - Maintaining the edge with the right training

    Many business owners in the market for new vehicles find that the economy has them mulling over which are
    the best options: buying new or second-hand trucks and vans or repairing the ones they already own.
    The Baker assists with some points to consider.  Read more...


    Entrepreneurs – Effective systems deliver
    a consistent customer experience

    Most readers would have come across the classic ‘one man band
    operation’ during the course of their working lives. Many of us
    might even have come across the same operation where the owner entrepreneur is in his 50s, 60s or sadly, even into his 70s. We
    would no doubt have felt a sense of pity at the sight of a
    grandfather working not for pleasure, but for sustenance. Read more...

    Miller's Grist – The art in milling

    Control of the fermentation and the action of natural bacteria
    can produce anything from a light delicate flavor to a deep, strong,
    rustic flavor. Just as you might pair wine with food you can do
    the same with the large varietiy of artisan breads.  Read more...

    International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM)

    Letter from Conference Chairman, Jannie de Villiers  Read more...
    Letter from District Director, Merzad Jamshidi  Read more...


    Fleet Management - Company vehicles - replace or refurbish?

    Many business owners in the market for new vehicles find that the economy has them mulling over which are
    the best options: buying new or second-hand trucks and vans or repairing the ones they already own.
    The Baker assists with some points to consider. Read more...



    If you require further information please contact us on
    Tel: (011) 447 1192 • Fax: (011) 447 8736
    E-mail: newstr@mweb.co.za
    PO Box 130676, Bryanston 2021, South Africa


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