bake - July/August 2023 - 49

" During the summer season, we
traditionally see an uptick in fruit
flavored buttercreams, like strawberry
and lemon, which are fan favorites. "
Susan Sarich, founder and chief executive officer of SusieCakes
consumers truly want from the bakery and which types of sweet
bakery products they are most eager to purchase.
Daily Delights are represented through smaller-size portions that
are perfect for the consumer who wants just a little indulgence in
their day. As we place a stronger emphasis on mental health, consumers
have increasingly changed their perceptions of sweet goods.
Enjoying something sweet has gone from " something I feel guilty
about " to " something that makes me feel good, " an essential part of
a balanced lifestyle.
crave local
as much as
possible.
Fast fact - More than half of consumers have added sweet baked
goods to their routines over the past year.
As for Mindfulness Matters, today's consumers are
putting a great deal of thought into the foods
they eat. Aware of how their choices affect
their personal health, their community, and
their planet, they're looking for authenticity,
and want to make a positive impact on
the world.
Shoppers
Fast facts - 73% of consumers eat local
as much as possible, and 61% are willing to
pay more for sustainable options.
" Trends are being converted now on
Winning Tip
consumer terms, " points
out Sarah Hickey, senior
director of marketing and
insights. " For example, every
culture has their own version
of fried dough. People of different
cultures agree on the same, 'I
know this emotion and this feeling.' "
Hickey accentuates the point that there are many innovative
products and mashups in the sweet bakery sector, and together
they offer consumers a global world of enticing flavor profiles and
textures. But it's even more than that.
" People love to indulge once a day and they want to be very
mindful about their choice, " she explains, pointing out how Daily
Delights and Mindfulness Matters intersect.
ON THE GO
Creative Cake Pops, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is witnessing
tremendous growth in the packaged cake pop business, as consumers
seek out smaller treats that can be enjoyed on the go or as a
special treat throughout the day.
Creative Cake Pops introduces new flavors including Sea Salt
Caramel, to go along with its popular Birthday Cake, Chocolate
Bliss, and Cookies and Cream varieties.
Expect to see more innovations along these lines in the packaged,
hand-held sweets category.
NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS
As for signature and unique holidays, bakeries are taking big steps
nowadays to help customers celebrate every occasion.
" Many people store their dessert
in the fridge and don't realize
that cold buttercream gets quite
hard and difficult to cut, so it's
best practice to allow your cake
or cupcakes to sit out at room
temperature until softened
before serving, " explains Susan
Sarich, founder and chief
executive officer of SusieCakes.
" This allows for a much more
enjoyable experience! "
BIRTHDAY CAKES
2023
49
JOHN UNREIN
bake - July/August 2023

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