This is the next in our series of Supply Side Innovators featured in our Bake Twentyfive issue. Each weekday, we will spotlight a new Supply Side Innovator that can help you create the flavors, textures, and designs your customers will love

The future of innovation lies in the use of technology in the retail bakery — providing better solutions for the baker to monitor applications, develop new recipes and manage the repository, says Megan Petit, Hobart Food Machines marketing specialist.

“This technology will support the evolving end user consumer tastes and nutrition needs as they become more driven to know where their food comes from and what goes into making it,” she says.

Another specific trend that is impacting the future of retail bakery and foodservice is reinventing a classic, Petit adds.

“We have been seeing this in so many industries! Whether it is making something a little more modern by adding a new flavor or a little fresher by using local ingredients, we are seeing this desire to recreate an old favorite,” she says.

“Other trends we have been seeing include gluten-free goods like pizza crust, pastries, desserts and low-carb substitutes such as using nut flours or coconut flour in baked items. Specifically, Hobart assists retail bakeries in addressing both challenges and opportunities through innovation as a leader in the food equipment industry.

“We help retail bakeries succeed by recognizing the need and desire to be creative and do something different. Our equipment is cutting edge, and we are always looking for ways to improve in order to address the challenges bakers may face while creating their delicious food.”

Hobart utilizes its test kitchen on-campus to try new and requested applications for its customer base. Hobart also participates in field studies as it develops products and tracks trends in the industry in order to support innovation.

Looking into the future, Petit says Hobart will continue to discover new and unique applications with existing products to inspire retail bakers to use their equipment to its maximum potential.

“While developing new products,” she says, “we partner with retail bakers to deepen our understanding of their innovation and how our products can facilitate that goal.”

Fast facts

Hobart’s Legacy Floor Mixers consistently win best-in-class awards for performance and reliability. Hobart mixers are there day after day supporting your creative efforts as you whip, blend and knead a culinary palette. These mixers are available in 30- to 140-quart sizes,

In addition, The Hobart Technology Center tests major components under extreme conditions to ensure that this mixer can stand up to years of demanding foodservice and food retail use for a wide range of bakery products.