You don’t have to wait until September’s National Cupcake Week to capitalise on the cupcake craze, which shows no signs of slowing. In fact, cupcakes saw sales volume growth of 13.7% and average prices per pack increasing by 7.2% (TNS Superpanel, 52 w/e 4 October 2009). "There is still potential in the market for those looking for great trading profits," says Lisa Boswell, marketing manager at CSM. So why not try some decorated cupcakes this Easter?
Ingredient suppliers are coming up with a number of ways to cut costs and simplify the process this season. Karen Scott, communi-cations manager at Macphie, says: "We recommend that bakers look more closely at the ’cost in use’, because it is not just about the cost of the bag mix, it is about how far the mix goes and what additional ingredients may be needed."
Meanwhile, British Bakels is offering a package that means bakers can achieve an 80% margin on hot cross bun sales. If they use Baktem Blue, along with Bakels’ ready-to-use Crossing Mix, they will receive the ready-to-use Bun Glaze free of charge. This bundle deal is the equivalent to a 30% discount across the board.
"Our package gives bakers the opportunity to produce great-tasting hot cross buns and increase their profit margins, thanks to the free bun glaze," says Pauline Ferrol, national sales controller at Bakels.