Milling & Baking News - April 2, 2024 - 26

TUES | 04 02 2024
* Through continuous improvement
" FGF is focused on technology, " she
said. " We are passionate bakers who are
powered by technology. "
KETO BREAD 'STEALS THE SHOW'
Flowers Foods, Inc., Thomasville, Ga.,
also introduced new buns in 2023, but
Mark Courtney, chief brand officer, said
it was the company's new Nature's Own
Keto Net 1 Loaf that " stole the show. " He
said the variety became the top new item
introduced in 2023 in its category.
Courtney said Flowers crafted the Keto
Net 1 Loaf " with the consumer in mind "
and developed the product in a process
involving the company's internal team
and suppliers.
" We created a soft white keto loaf that
reengineering best-in-class, " she said.
This approach was reflected in the process
leading to the introduction of the new
buns, Tessier said.
" We are really focused on bringing
the best quality and value, " she said.
" Given the cost and menu pressures being
faced by foodservice operators, it was
important to land on the best product
size, variety, and resilience to make our
lineup relevant. What really makes this
different is that we've applied artisan
baking techniques to our burger buns -
they are made with the perfect balance of
natural starter, rest time, and free-form
shape, giving them that artisan visual
appearance. We have been honing
the taste and texture for the past 18
months, and we're really proud of
the quality. "
While early in the launch, Tessier
said the initial response in the
marketplace with customers has
been strong, including from bar
and grills, quick-service restaurant
chains (QSRs), independent
QSRs and white tablecloth restaurants.
One
of the varieties, brioche
buns, has enjoyed surging marketplace
popularity in recent years.
" I truly feel we have the best
brioche on the market, " she said,
noting that it is baked with real
butter and eggs.
Asked about other changes at
ACE Bakery, Tessier explained the
26
MILLING & BAKING NEWS
company was working to make its products
" more resilient. " While its artisan
line historically has a one-day shelf life in
foodservice, she said the buns have been
formulated to have a three-day shelf life.
The company is working to roll out the
" same approach for all of its foodservice
products, " she said.
The move is part of an ACE ambition to
grow its artisan business both in retail
and foodservice. Tessier identified three
facets to this strategy:
* Focusing on the quality and introducing
true artisan
* Improving resiliency and ensuring it
has the right portfolio
meets our Nature's Own brand promise
of no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives,
and no high-fructose corn syrup,
and that differentiated us from competitors, "
he said. " Our success was helped by
strong acceptance from retailers as well
as creative marketing to drive trial and
awareness with consumers through shopper
marketing, e-commerce and a fun
new commercial. "
The new buns introduced by Flowers
are " performing well, " Courtney said. The
Wonder Hawaiian buns offer a sweeter
flavor profile while the Nature's Own Perfectly
Crafted bun line was expanded to
include a savory Everything bun.
The Hawaiian buns under the Wonder
brand followed the 2022 introduction
of Nature's Own Hawaiian bread, which
Courtney said also " performed very well. "
It was the company's top new
item in 2022 and " has shown no
signs of slowing down. "
The company noted during
the year that Dave's Killer Bread
also generated a standout performance
with sales totaling $1
billion at the retail level.
" Despite its premium status,
DKB's consumer appeal transcended
its price point, " Courtney
said. " Even more impressively,
DKB grew unit volumes
in tracked channels by 10%
while the overall bread category
declined 3%. This strong performance
illustrates the brand's
appeal beyond the organic and
specialty premium categories.
The brand also continued to
demonstrate an ability to grow
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Milling & Baking News - April 2, 2024

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