Name badge impact

Bakeries that introduce name badges for their staff see customer satisfaction ratings increase by an average of 12%, according to research from mystery shopping company Shopper Anonymous. The figure came from a study of 116,000 mystery shopper reports in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, including UK bakery shops such as Forfars, Cavendish and Truffles.

Italian firm expands

Italian coffee chain La Bottega Del Caffè has opened a store in Regent Street, London, as it looks to expand in the UK. The chain arrived in the UK in July this year and sells a range of baked goods, including freshly filled croissants, muffins and sandwiches.

Healthy baking event

Campden BRI is hosting a seminar on baking for a healthier diet on 7 December. It will cover some of the latest offerings from ingredients suppliers to address the needs of product developers, together with some cutting-edge food and nutrition science. To find out more contact Daphne Llewellyn Davies on email d.davies@campden.co.uk or tel 01386 842040.

Got an answer?

An expatriate living in Australia has got in touch with British Baker to see if any bakers have a recipe for pineapple cream tarts, as she remembers getting them in Starkey’s Bakers when she was growing up in Birmingham. If any bakers can help, please send the recipe to sue@zoospace.com.au.

Christmas profile

Cartoon characters Wallace and Gromit are to feature on a new selection of Christmas stamps from the Royal Mail. The collection includes a stamp of Gromit struggling to carry a large Christmas pudding.