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Tag: bakery

  • Miopane Bakery: Fresh Taiwanese Bagel Sensation Now Baking in Los Angeles

    Miopane Bakery: Fresh Taiwanese Bagel Sensation Now Baking in Los Angeles

    The Taiwanese bakery, Miopane, has successfully ventured into the United States market, launching its first store in Pasadena, Los Angeles.

    The Pasadena store boasts an open, production-centric layout, highlighting bagels showcased behind a glass counter with a preparation area that is completely visible to patrons. The setup not only allows customers to witness the baking process, but also accentuates the company’s commitment to freshness and craftsmanship.

    The on-site bakers, who knead and bake the bagels, play a crucial role in promoting Miopane’s focus on craft and freshness.

    Miopane’s American menu is broad and diverse, offering over 20 types of bagels, complemented by a selection of coffee and tea.

    The bakery’s signature items have quickly become customer favorites. These include the Maple Glaze and Green Onion Croissants, and the Jalapeno Sharp Cheddar Bagels, which have all been well-received.

    Despite the pricing being higher than in its Taiwanese market, Miopane’s bagels retail at approximately US$7.50 (NT$230) per bagel. This compares to around US$2.50 (NT$80) in the bakery’s domestic market.

    However, customers have observed that the pricing is comparable to other artisanal bagel offerings within the Los Angeles area, suggesting that Miopane’s pricing strategy may be well-aligned with the market expectations.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the key feature of Miopane’s Pasadena store layout?
    The key feature of Miopane’s Pasadena store is its open, production-centric layout. Bagels are displayed behind a glass counter, and the preparation area is fully visible to customers.

    What are some of Miopane’s signature items?
    Miopane’s signature items include Maple Glaze, Green Onion Croissants, and Jalapeno Sharp Cheddar Bagels.

    How does the pricing of Miopane’s bagels in the US compare to the pricing in Taiwan?
    The pricing of Miopane’s bagels in the US is higher than in Taiwan, with bagels retailing at about US$7.50 compared to roughly US$2.50 in its home market. However, customers have noted that the pricing is similar to other artisanal bagel offerings in LA.

  • Simson’s Pantry Bolsters Bakery Line with High-Protein Mini Pizza Bases: A Tasty Transformation of a Family Favourite

    Simson’s Pantry Bolsters Bakery Line with High-Protein Mini Pizza Bases: A Tasty Transformation of a Family Favourite

    Simson’s Pantry, the renowned bakery brand, has broadened its healthier product line by launching a new high-protein mini pizza base. This move comes following the successful initiation of its High Protein Souvlaki Flatbreads earlier this year.

    Enhancing Nutritional Value

    Offered in packs of six, each mini pizza base packs 6.3g of protein per serving. The brand has indicated that this product is designed to provide greater nutritional benefits without sacrificing flavor.

    Reimagining a Family Classic

    Mark Malak, the company’s Head of Marketing and Growth, stated that Simson’s Pantry saw an opportunity to reimagine a beloved family product by offering a healthier, more balanced alternative. He emphasized that the mini size format is ideal for controlling portions, whether for lunchboxes or snacks. Furthermore, the product is versatile, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, and is air fryer-friendly.

    Nationwide Availability

    The Simson’s Pantry High Protein Mini Pizza Bases are now available for purchase across the country at Woolworths retail stores. Each six-pack is priced reasonably at $4.50.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the protein content in Simson’s Pantry’s new mini pizza base?
    Each serving of the mini pizza base contains 6.3g of protein.

    How is the mini pizza base package sold?
    The mini pizza bases are sold in packs of six.

    Where can customers purchase Simson’s Pantry High Protein Mini Pizza Bases?
    The product is available for purchase nationwide at Woolworths.

  • Baileys Joins Forces with Melbourne’s Simply Mike’s Bakery to Unveil Limited-Edition Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur

    Baileys Joins Forces with Melbourne’s Simply Mike’s Bakery to Unveil Limited-Edition Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur

    In a unique pairing of flavors, Baileys has collaborated with the Melbourne-based bakery Simply Mike’s to bring to market a limited-edition Baileys Cinnamon Scroll. This creative concoction combines the warmth of cinnamon with the rich, creamy taste of Baileys Irish Cream, offering a festive delicacy that can be savored on its own, as a garnish on ice cream, or stirred into hot chocolate.

    Simply Mike’s: A True Master of the Scroll

    Simply Mike’s, which initially made its mark as a quaint French patisserie noted for its delectable croissants, subsequently earned accolades for its cinnamon scrolls. In its quest for a “true master of the scroll”, Baileys handpicked this bakery as the ideal partner for creating an innovative new flavor.

    Nishant Samuel, the head of whisky and liqueurs at Diageo Australia, expressed his excitement about the partnership. He stated, “We were seeking a partner who could encapsulate the very essence of Baileys in a way that was fun, local, and brimming with personality.”

    Limited-Edition Indulgence

    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll will be available for a limited time only, marking another addition to Bailey’s innovative flavor explorations. In 2023, Baileys made waves with a festive tiramisu twist, introduced specifically for the Christmas season.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Baileys Cinnamon Scroll?
    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll is a limited-edition flavor that combines the spice of cinnamon with the creamy taste of Baileys Irish Cream.

    Who has Baileys collaborated with for this new flavor?
    Baileys has partnered with Simply Mike’s, a bakery based in Melbourne, known for its exceptional cinnamon scrolls.

    How can the Baileys Cinnamon Scroll be enjoyed?
    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll can be enjoyed by itself, drizzled over ice cream, or stirred into hot chocolate for an added layer of flavor and richness.

  • Budget bakery boom as Koreans turn to convenience store bread

    Budget bakery boom as Koreans turn to convenience store bread

    In response to escalating prices in bakery franchises, that can exceed 10,000 won for just a few items, South Korean consumers are progressively seeking out more affordable private label (PB) bread. These are readily available in convenience stores and large retailers. As a consequence, the rise in sales of PB bread has prompted industry insiders to refer to the phenomenon as a ‘budget bakery boom’.

    The Surge of Private Label Bread

    Major convenience store chains report that PB bread now constitutes over 20 percent of all bakery sales. The market share of CU’s PB products has more than doubled from 9.4 percent in 2023 to 21 percent between January and September 2025. Similarly, GS25 experienced a rise from 21.1 percent to 24.9 percent, and 7-Eleven increased its PB ratio from 15 to 20 percent within the same timeframe.

    Due to this growing trend, retailers have been quick to introduce new in-house bakery brands. CU’s ‘Bakehouse 405’ launched in August 2023 and currently offers around 30 products. GS25 operates two PB lines, ‘Breadyque’ and ‘Seongsu’, which were launched in 2021 and 2024 respectively. These lines have sold 70 million and 3 million units to date. The ‘Seven Select’ range offered by 7-Eleven features approximately 40 varieties, and Emart24’s ‘Bakery of the Day’ (BOTD) was introduced in June with an initial selection of seven products.

    Price Versus Quality

    The primary attraction for consumers is the price tag. Items from CU’s Bakehouse 405, such as a sweet pastry, are priced at just 1600 won. Similarly, GS25’s bun is priced at 2100 won, and 7-Eleven’s honey hotteok is a mere 1500 won. Even on the higher end of the price scale, Emart24’s apple pie retails for 2400 won, which is less than a third of the price of similar pastries in high-end bakeries.

    In addition to the cost savings, the stores have also expanded their product ranges. Their selections now include a wide variety of items such as bagels, cream buns, baguettes, roll cakes, and even pizza rolls. Retailers stress that PB bread is not only affordable, but also of high quality. This is attributed to their partnerships with small manufacturers, which help to cut out middleman costs and marketing expenses.

    Supermarkets Join the Trend

    Large supermarkets are also following the trend. Homeplus runs ‘Mont Blagé’ bakery corners in over 120 stores nationally, offering traditional red bean, custard, and soboro buns for around 2000 won each. Lotte Mart’s ‘Poongmiso’, which was launched in 2022, is also growing its reach. Meanwhile, Emart has been selling imported ready-made cakes and dough under its ‘No Brand’ and ‘Peacock’ ranges since 2024, highlighting the advantages of affordability and convenience.

    Industry pundits believe that the popularity of PB bread highlights a shift in consumer thinking, driven by continuous inflation. Consumers are prioritising practicality and taste over brand prestige.

    Questions & Answers

    What is causing the ‘budget bakery boom’ in South Korea?
    The ‘budget bakery boom’ is due to rising prices in bakery franchises, prompting South Korean consumers to seek out more affordable private label bread from convenience stores and large retailers.

    How is the industry responding to the increased demand for private label bread?
    The industry is responding by introducing new in-house bakery brands. These brands offer a wide variety of products at a fraction of the cost of high-end bakeries.

    What are the advantages of buying private label bread?
    The main advantages of buying private label bread are affordability and quality. These breads are more inexpensive due to partnerships with small manufacturers that reduce costs. The quality of the bread also remains high, providing consumers with a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced branded products.

  • Filipino Bakery Chain Mary Grace Set For First International Venture In Singapore

    Filipino Bakery Chain Mary Grace Set For First International Venture In Singapore

    Singapore has recently seen an influx of Chinese food and beverage (F&B) brands. Among them are the florist-café Tomacado, the popular teahouse Incloud, and Siji Miinfu, a specialist in Peking duck. However, the island nation is also preparing to welcome a notable name from the Philippines: Mary Grace. From its humble beginnings as a small bazaar stall set up by a mother of five in 1994, Mary Grace has grown into a bakery and café chain with over 140 outlets in the Philippines. The upcoming Singaporean outlet will be its first international venture.

    Mary Grace’s Initial Success in Singapore

    In September of this year, Mary Grace held a three-day pop-up event in Singapore. Despite minimal advertising, the event was a sold-out success. This could be a signal that when the permanent store opens, a large number of eager customers will be waiting.

    Signature Offerings

    The bakery’s signature offerings include its cheese rolls and ensaymada, a soft and buttery Filipino pastry adapted from the Spanish ensaïmada. In the classic version, Mary Grace tops the pastry with a dusting of aged Edam cheese. During the pop-up event, a box of six was sold for $31.50. The ensaymada also comes in several other flavours, such as cinnamon apple and chocolate.

    Mary Grace’s other home-style baked goods include carrot cake, banana bread, lemon bars, and strawberry shortcake. It is hoped that these, along with savoury items like sandwiches and Filipino-style all-day breakfast dishes, will be available in the Singapore store.

    Further Information

    Details about the exact location and opening date of Mary Grace’s Singapore location are still forthcoming. The latest updates will be posted on its Instagram account @cafemarygrace.sg.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Mary Grace’s origin?
    Mary Grace originated as a small bazaar stall set up by a mother of five in the Philippines in 1994. It has since grown into a large bakery and café chain with over 140 outlets in its home country.

    What are some of the signature items at Mary Grace?
    Some of the signature items at Mary Grace include cheese rolls, ensaymada which is a fluffy, buttery Filipino pastry, and other home-style baked goods like carrot cake, banana bread, lemon bars, and strawberry shortcake.

    When and where will the permanent Mary Grace store in Singapore open?
    The exact details regarding the opening date and location of the Mary Grace store in Singapore have not yet been released. Future updates will be posted on its Instagram account @cafemarygrace.sg.

  • Luxury bakery chain Lady M shuts stores in Mainland China

    Luxury bakery chain Lady M shuts stores in Mainland China

    Luxury confections brand Lady M will close all outlets on the Chinese mainland by September 10 but plans to return with a new business strategy later.

    The New York-based patisserie brand has 27 licensed stores in Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Xiamen, as well as three food-processing plants.

    Customers who own prepaid cards and vouchers can still use them to make offline and online purchases before September 10.

    They can also claim a refund between September 1 and September 15 through its mini-program on WeChat mini program.

    The company announced earlier this month that it plans to pursue a direct company-owned strategy in China to strengthen business and drive growth.

    Lady M did not renew the license agreement with Shun Lee Shanghai Commercial Management Co for five provinces, which expired on April 9.

    “We have built up a significant business presence in the past five years and regret any inconvenience caused by the closing of the license stores,” Shanghai Muxin Catering Service Management Co, a wholly unit of Shun Lee, said in an announcement on Wednesday.

    Lady M’s stores at high-end shopping malls and popular areas always attract large crowds, with people queuing up for a taste of its handmade multi-layered crêpe cakes and gourmet desserts.

    The first Lady M boutique store in China was launched at the IFC Mall in the Lujiazui area of ​​​​Shanghai in September 2017.

    Microblog user “Lovley Butter” has been ordering birthday cakes from Lady M for the last few years as an avid lover of its signature multi-layered crêpes.

    But new bakery and dessert stores have continued to emerge in recent years, which have done better at catering to local tastes and providing seasonal offerings.

    Lady M said it is looking forward to taking a direct role in elevating the China business, a market that is pivotal to its growth strategy, said CEO of Lady M, Ken Romaniszyn, in a press release on July 14.

    It plans to focus on developing the China market with new concept boutiques and innovative product offerings, allowing the company to maintain the highest quality and consistency for its customers.

  • Paris Baguette opens its largest Singapore store

    Paris Baguette opens its largest Singapore store

    Best known for its Paris Baguette bakery franchise, SPC Group has opened four food brand stores in Singapore. The group is planning to make Singapore as its third axis of global growth after China and the United States.

    The group opened the new stores at Jewel Changi, a commercial complex connected to Changi Airport in Singapore, on April 17. The four food brands include Maison de PB, the first high-end brand of Paris Baguette; Coffee@Works, a special tea and coffee brand; and Shake Shack, a burger brand.

    Jewel Changi is a seven-story lifestyle complex built as part of the Singaporean government’s Chingi Airport development projects.

    Maison de PB serves not only bakery products but also various meals that go well with bread such as “Beef On The Stone” and “Signature Seafood Pasta.”

    Coffee@Works has opened its first overseas store at Jewel Changi. Currently, it operates a total of 12 stores in South Korea. Shake Shack has also opened the first store at the complex after it obtained a license for business operation in Singapore in October last year. Singapore is the third-largest market in SPC Group’s global operations.

    Paris Baguette has 12 stores in Singapore, including the one at Jewel Changi. Although the number of stores in Singapore is less than the 14 in Vietnam, sales in Singapore, which came to 14.90 billion won (US$13.13 million) last year, are nearly three times higher than those in Vietnam.SPC Group is seeking to establish a holding firm in Singapore. It is planning to build a base in Singapore, which is considered a hub of logistics, finance, and business in Asia, and expand its business to neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

    The group is also seeking to build a Halal certified production facility to target Muslims and the global Halal food market. It will establish the facility in the Southeast Asian region in order to target Muslim countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, and will set the exact time and place in the future.

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  • Macau chain Koi Kei Bakery shuts stores as tourists stay away

    Macau chain Koi Kei Bakery shuts stores as tourists stay away

    Macau souvenir bakery Koi Kei Bakery, known for its peanut brittle and almond biscuits, will be closing its Hong Kong branches in Tsim Tsa Tsui, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok this Saturday, leaving the airport outlet (pictured) its sole remaining store in the territory.

    Hong Kong’s tourism board says inbound visitor numbers have plunged 98 percent this month against last year’s figures, affecting businesses that are heavily reliant on foreign and mainland visitors, including chains such as Sasa, watch and jewelry stores and luxury retailers.

    Koi Kei Bakery says the ongoing epidemic has led to problems sourcing raw materials, managing logistics and labor shortages at their Macau headquarters. While production lines are expected to resume soon, the company sees few signs of tourist numbers rebounding in the near future.

    Despite the retailer strikes against shopping center owners last week, some tenacious landlords are still unwilling to ease rents.

    Even though several property groups, such as Hysan Development and MTR Corp, have offered rent relief to tenants, many retailers are unable to keep afloat due to the effect of the tourists disappearing.

    Annie Tse, chairwoman of Hong Kong Retail Management Association, told the South China Morning Post she predicts more than 7000 retailers will be forced to close their stores if landlords fail to show leniency.

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  • Gontran Cherrier opens first Asian bakery in Hong Kong

    Gontran Cherrier opens first Asian bakery in Hong Kong

    Fourth-generation French baker and globally recognized pastry chef Gontran Cherrier has opened his first boulangerie and restaurant in Hong Kong’s K11 Musea.

    The Hong Kong store and restaurant mark the first flagship for Asia with further openings planned across Japan, Taiwan, and the UAE.

    At K11 Musea’s Food Playground, the 3500sqft Gontran Cherrier space encompasses an open bakery, an 80-seat restaurant along with a communal table, a cafe area with seating as well takeaway coffee, and a retail space for take-home baked goods.

    More than 2000 baguettes and croissants are prepared in an open kitchen each day, using premium French flour and butter flown in from France. The baked menu consists of more than 50 handmade creations ranging from viennoiserie, bread, patisserie, cookies, and cakes.

    In just nine years, Gontran has built a pastry empire including more than 50 stores worldwide from a single store in Montmartre, Paris. He has written cookbooks and appeared on television.

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  • Croquant Chou Zakuzaku opens in Singapore

    Croquant Chou Zakuzaku opens in Singapore

    Japanese bakery brand Croquant Chou Zakuzaku will open its first store in Singapore next month.

    The Croquant Chou Zakuzaku Singapore flagship store will take over its sister brand’s outlet Bake Cheese Tart at Ion Orchard.

    The new Japanese store will offer its first Croquant Chou, a crunchy stick-shaped cream puff filled with fresh cream, and its soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk and coated with croquant chunks, Zakuzaku Soft.

    “We are honoured to be able to open a flagship store in Singapore. We have been eyeing to open the store for a long time in a trendy location, and have finally been able to do so in Ion Orchard,” said Hajime Kikuchi, director at Croquant Chou Zakuzaku. “We hope that Croquant Chou Zakuzaku can become a brand that is loved by Singaporeans who are interested in high quality sweets and dessert items.”

    Since opening its doors in Lumine Est Shinjuku in 2014 , Croquant Chou Zakuzaku has expanded to more than 30 outlets in five countries, with its tagline “All the good stuff in one hand”.

     

  • Hattendo bakery to franchise stores in Hong Kong

    Hattendo bakery to franchise stores in Hong Kong

    Japanese baker Hattendo is planning to ramp up its store rollout in Asia, with particular focus on Greater China and Southeast Asia.

    The company – known for its cream-filled buns – already has stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Its next stop is Malaysia where it will launch next month after finding a local partner to produce its buns, selling through convenience stores.

    Hattendo is currently finalizing a joint venture with a Thai company to manufacture its products to supply stores locally. The plan there is to supply supermarkets and a network of its own-branded kiosk stores in shopping malls and other locations.

    In Hong Kong and Mainland China, Hattendo will expand its network by appointing franchisees, part of a plan to boost its network six-fold to 30 by the end of 2021.

    “In China’s Shenzhen and Hong Kong, there is strong interest from potential franchisees and we receive a lot of inquiries,” Daisuke Ishioka, the company’s representative director, told Nikkei.

    Last year, Hattendo’s group sales reached US$19.6 million. The company is planning to issue new shares by the end of this year to raise about $900,000 to fund the expansion.

    The company – known for its cream-filled buns – already has stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Its next stop is Malaysia where it will launch next month after finding a local partner to produce its buns, selling through convenience stores.

    Hattendo is currently finalizing a joint venture with a Thai company to manufacture its products to supply stores locally. The plan there is to supply supermarkets and a network of its own-branded kiosk stores in shopping malls and other locations.

    In Hong Kong and Mainland China, Hattendo will expand its network by appointing franchisees, part of a plan to boost its network six-fold to 30 by the end of 2021.

    “In China’s Shenzhen and Hong Kong, there is strong interest from potential franchisees and we receive a lot of inquiries,” Daisuke Ishioka, the company’s representative director, told Nikkei.

    Last year, Hattendo’s group sales reached US$19.6 million. The company is planning to issue new shares by the end of this year to raise about $900,000 to fund the expansion.

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  • Bali bakery Starter Lab to open in Singapore

    Bali bakery Starter Lab to open in Singapore

    Bali-based bakery Starter Lab is opening its first overseas branch in Singapore.

    Located at 721 Havelock Road, Singapore’s Starter Lab will be able to host up to 35 people around a communal table and bars, offering take-away coffee and bread.

    Its menu is expected to feature seven types of sourdough loaves each day, and flavours such as Rosemary Lemon and Sea Salt Sourdough, Garlic Confit & Parmesan, as well as Salted Egg & Curry Leaf.

    There will also be sandwiches and pastries on the menu, banana bread, scones and cookies.

    Starter Lab has already launched pop-ups in Singapore, including at Camp Kilo Charcoal Club.

    Founded by Emerson Manibo, who worked at NYC’s three Michelin-starred restaurant Per Se, Della Fattoria and Tartine Bakery, Starter Lab is famous for its American-style sourdough bread.

  • Wu Pao Chun Bakery outlet opens in Singapore

    Wu Pao Chun Bakery outlet opens in Singapore

    Taiwanese bakery Wu Pao Chun has opened first Singapore outlet, at Capitol Piazza.

    Operated by a joint venture between BreadTalk Group and Wu Pao Chun, the bakery imports the same ingredients from its home base and sells around 60 products, including more than 10 regionally inspired new flavours, such as Coffee-C, Hainanese Chicken Fun, green curry bun Sawadee, tom-yum flavoured bun TomYummy, and kaya-filled soft French bun Kaya Kebaya.

    The Singapore store’s baking staff had to undergo six months of professional training in Taiwan.

    “Through my team’s close collaboration with BreadTalk Group’s research and development team, we created new flavours to pay tribute to Singapore’s vibrant hawker-food culture,” said Wu Pao Chun.

    “Coupled with BreadTalk Group’s strengths in brand development and store expansion, I believe that we can complement each other perfectly, to create a winning formula to bring the authentic Wu Pao Chun Bakery experience to consumers in Singapore,” said George Quek, founder and chairman of BreadTalk.

    The partnership opened two outlets in Shanghai last March.

    Operated by a joint venture between BreadTalk Group and Wu Pao Chun, the bakery imports the same ingredients from its home base and sells around 60 products, including more than 10 regionally inspired new flavours, such as Coffee-C, Hainanese Chicken Fun, green curry bun Sawadee, tom-yum flavoured bun TomYummy, and kaya-filled soft French bun Kaya Kebaya.

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  • Malaysian bakery Lavender Singapore Opens Its Doors

    Malaysian bakery Lavender Singapore Opens Its Doors

    Malaysian bakery Lavender is opening at Jewel Changi in Singapore this week.

    Set to open on Thursday (April 11), the store will sell Lavender’s buns, French-style choux cream puffs, and house-made pandan kaya.

    Located next to the 40m-high Rain Vortex waterfall, the outlet offers takeaway-only baked goods.

    “We try to stay competitive with prices so all our customers can enjoy our products and taste the difference in quality,” a Lavender bakery representative said.

    “Prices will definitely be different to Malaysia’s as overheads like rent, salaries and material costs will all be in Singapore dollars.”

    Malaysian bakery Lavender has six outlets in Kuala Lumpur and five in Johor Bahru, including a multi-storey flagship at Taman Pelangi.

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  • BreadTalk buys out joint venture partner in Thailand

    BreadTalk buys out joint venture partner in Thailand

    Minor Group has sold its half share in BreadTalk Thailand to the bakery’s Singapore-listed owner. According to the Straits Times, BreadTalk paid US$5.15 million for the stake, which Minor Group is expected to use to expand its other food and beverage brands in the kingdom, including The Coffee Club.   The BreadTalk Thailand joint venture, called BTM Thailand, was set up in 2014.

    Minor Group’s other brands in Southeast Asia include ThaiExpress, Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe, Swensens and the Pizza Restaurant Company.

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