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From timeless chocolate chip to the goodness of oatmeal raisin, or indulgent s’mores sandwich crème and holiday flavors like pumpkin spice and butter shortbread, our choices may vary, but the love for a delicious cookie treat unites us all. Since 1953, Commercial Bakeries has been a master at sweetening taste buds with a delightful blend of these classic favorites and exciting new flavors. A premier manufacturer of private-label cookies and baked snacks, it continues to help retail giants, warehouse clubs, brand owners and ingredient suppliers set the standard for deliciously baked innovation and quality. Under the leadership of recently appointed CEO Shawn Warren, a seasoned veteran with three decades of experience in the global baked snack industry, Commercial Bakeries is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth by embracing a bold vision of ‘baking up better.’ This vision promises to sprinkle cutting-edge techniques and fresh business strategies into the company’s time-tested recipes and practices to deliver even more delicious outcomes. How does ‘baking up better’ translate into action? “‘Baking up better’ is more than a catchy slogan. It represents our commitment to baking up better products, better customer solutions and better stakeholder relationships,” states Warren. “It goes beyond the simple pleasure of baking cookies—it’s a promise to meet the high expectations of today’s discerning consumers and customer partners.” Delivering exceptional quality is at the heart of this mission. The company not only bakes cookies that evoke the nostalgia of grandma’s secret recipe but meets modern dietary demands with peanut-free, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and clean-label products. Strong industry credentials complement these efforts, with robust SQF Level 3 certifications, adherence to top-tier good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and a dedicated in-house quality team focused on maintaining a high level of quality assurance with each batch. Responsiveness and attention to detail are ingrained in the culture and enable the team of over 400 employees across Canada and the U.S. to deliver better customer solutions, meeting the needs of each of its 80 private-label brand owners and retailer partners. With more than 800 recipes and 400 product types currently in production, including wire-cut, rotary mold and sandwich creme cookies, Commercial Bakeries ensures it has the scale and expertise to meet its customers’ needs.
Preventing Customer Recalling
In an increasingly complex food and beverage regulatory environment, Commercial Quality and Food Safety Solutions, also known as CQAFSS, is a trusted Food and Beverage Manufacturing consulting firm of over 50 experienced industry professionals who partner with food and beverage companies on food safety, regulatory, sanitation, quality, nutrition, and labeling services. As a solutions-focused organization, CQAFSS is well known for its responsive, all-hands- on-deck approach to meeting or exceeding clients’ expectations. Dave Cook, Founder of CQAFSS, envisioned a company that would provide solutions that reduce risks, improve quality, and minimize costs for food and beverage companies. CQAFSS has collaborated with an extensive client base ranging from startups to multinational food manufacturers, providing immediate management support, situation assessment, root cause analysis, and effective corrective and preventive actions. Having a professional network of seasoned professionals who have worked in leading organizations' quality, food safety, and regulatory teams allows CQAFSS to provide customized solutions executed by experts. “We are not a group of academics that envision unobtainable solutions. We are industry experts who understand the work environment and can provide practical solutions to our clients,” says Dave Cook, founder and general manager of CQAFSS. At present, one of the top industry issues is the ability of food companies to recruit and retain skilled professionals for managing the food safety regulations. CQAFSS effectively addresses this issue by providing a menu of solutions including on-site interim management, comprehensive training, and mentoring to bridge knowledge gaps. “Companies struggle these days with having the right people at the right place at the right time. What we offer, the ability to have 50 knowledgeable consultants in our network that can help with specific areas of quality and food safety, is invaluable to their success,” states Nancy G. President, CEO of CQAFSS.
Industry Dedicated Team Approach
The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for the hospitality industry, and even though the pandemic is in the rearview window for most, that impact could linger for years to come. The number of people seeking jobs in this sector continues to trend downward. To succeed, hotels and restaurants must get more work done with fewer employees while unlocking higher efficiencies. A leading hospitality consulting and asset management company, Next Hospitality Advisors helps restaurants, hotels, and resorts worldwide boost operational efficiencies, expand their properties, and develop new ones. It helps clients re-tool operating procedures so they can complete tasks more efficiently and cost-effectively, with fewer full-time employees and, at the same time, without compromising quality or the level of services offered. “Our team looks at everything from how food can be produced more efficiently to how bars can operate with fewer bartenders. We also look at the procurement process so we can understand if the Client is buying raw materials in the most cost-effective manner while, at the same time, using the correctly specified ingredients for the needed application(s),” says Paul Fiala, Chief Operating Officer at Next Hospitality Advisors. With bespoke consulting services, Next Hospitality Advisors is primarily focused on helping clients unlock wider profit margins. On the asset management side, it identifies areas of opportunity and develops customized strategies that address clients’ distinct needs and goals when it comes to optimizing the layout, design, and equipment specifications needed for new or re-engineered restaurants, bars, and MICE spaces. Its asset and project management services have been successfully delivered to individual owners, financial institutions, and institutional investors over the past 18 years. From a single asset to portfolios of over 100 properties, Next Hospitality’s team of experts follows an industry-dedicated ‘team’ approach to each project. It is a fact-based approach backed by exhaustive hospitality research that leads the industry in econometric-based national and local market forecasting. The company looks at publicly available data and builds regression studies to predict and validate the future condition of the economy. The data is used in every part of the business, whether designing a new restaurant concept or selecting sites.
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IN FOCUS
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The Triumph And Transformation Of Private Label Brands
Private label brands, also known as store brands or generic brands, have experienced sustained success in the retail market for several reasons. These brands are created and owned by the retailer and compete
EDITORIAL
Private Label Cookie Manufacturing: Innovation and Consumer-Centricity
The private label cookie manufacturing industry is experiencing a renaissance, driven by technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and a heightened focus on health and sustainability. This sector, once dominated by generic, cost-driven products, is now at the forefront of culinary creativity and strategic market positioning. One of the most significant shifts in private label cookie manufacturing is the integration of advanced technology and automation. Cutting-edge machinery, such as high-speed mixing, forming, and baking equipment, allows manufacturers to enhance efficiency, consistency, and product quality. Robotics and AI are increasingly being utilized to streamline production lines, reduce waste, and improve precision in packaging and labeling. These technological advancements are not only boosting production capabilities but also enabling manufacturers to respond swiftly to market demands. For instance, the ability to quickly switch between different product lines or customize batch sizes allows companies to cater to niche markets and seasonal trends with unprecedented agility. Consumer preferences have evolved significantly, with a growing demand for healthier snack options. Private label cookie manufacturers are responding by developing products that cater to health-conscious consumers. This includes the use of organic ingredients, reduced sugar formulations, and the incorporation of functional ingredients like protein, fiber, and probiotics. The private label cookie manufacturing industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, characterized by technological advancements, a focus on health and wellness, sustainability efforts, and a penchant for innovation. As manufacturers continue to embrace these trends, the sector is poised for sustained growth and enhanced consumer engagement. Retailers partnering with forward-thinking manufacturers can capitalize on these developments to offer distinctive, high-quality products that meet the evolving demands of today’s discerning consumers. The future of private label cookie manufacturing promises to be as delightful and diverse as the cookies themselves. In this edition, we have featured Commercial Bakeries. A premier manufacturer of private-label cookies and baked snacks, it continues to help retail giants, warehouse clubs, brand owners and ingredient suppliers set the standard for deliciously baked innovation and quality.
