Dough balls on an automated line

Source: Getty Images

  • Publication date: Wednesday 2 November 2022
  • Editorial submissions deadline: Wednesday 14 October 2022
  • Editorial contact: annebruce@rocketmail.com

Investing in automation is a pivotal point in a craft baker’s growth journey as businesses look to increase output and efficiency while keeping costs to a minimum.

This feature will explore the key considerations for smaller bakery businesses as they take their first steps with automation. We want to speak to bakers who have been on this journey and the suppliers who helped them.

Key questions this feature will explore include:

  • What are the key benefits of automated versus manual production?
  • How can a baker determine whether automation is needed and/or beneficial to them?
  • Are there any types of products best suited to automation at this scale? If so, what equipment is available to bakers for this?
  • What are the key considerations for adding a production line to your bakery – costs, space, downtime etc?
  • How do you build in future growth to this process?