LESSON 1: GET TO KNOW YOUR IN-STORE BAKERY (ISB)

Review the information below in order to better understand your In-Store Bakery. It will provide insight on your account in general and the department’s capabilities and/or limitations.

Customer Type

  • Natural – The customer requires all products to be “All-Natural.” UNFI and Tony’s Fine Foods defines All- Natural as free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

  • Super Natural – in addition to “All-Natural,” the customer requires all products to be made with Non-GMO ingredients, cage-free eggs, etc.

  • Organic – The customer requires all products to be certified organic.

  • Traditional/Conventional – All items are welcome; no specific ingredient requirements are necessary.

  • Ethnic – The customer prefers products specific to a particular ethnic group such as Hispanic, Mediterranean, Asian foods.

It is highly likely that you will also encounter customers who are a blend of the above.

Discovering the production capabilities of your ISB       

Your ISB’s production capabilities are Production, Bulk, Thaw and Sell, or a combination of all three.


Production (Bakery ingredients, baking from scratch) means that:

  • Mixing, proofing, baking and packaging equipment is available on-site.
  • There is labor in the department to support production.
  • There are qualified bakers and/or cake decorators.
  • Labeling equipment is available on-site.

Bulk (No label packaged, finishing in-house) means that:

  • Packaging is available on-site.
  • Product scale and labeling equipment is on-site


Thaw and Sell (retail-ready) means that:

  • Products are packaged by the manufacturer and have barcodes.
  • Products have labels which include ingredients and nutritional information.
  • Products are packaged in clam shells, domes, bags, boxes or are individually wrapped.


Important Factors to Consider About your ISB

  • The square footage of the bakery
  • Its capabilities such as ovens/proof box, mixers, freezer storage space
  • Quantity of tables, display cases, freezers, and Grab & Go (chilled/dry)
  • Brands currently on sale in the ISB
  • Top sellers in each category (Production, Bulk, Thaw & Sell)
  • Slow movers in each category (Production, Bulk, Thaw & Sell)
  • Its goals and vision for the future
TAKE LESSON 1 QUIZ