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A Celebration Of Pi: The Many Different Types Of Pie

by Ryan McCoy
pi day

In celebration of Pi Day (March 14th), we thought it would be fitting to do a blog on… pies! This day is perfect to increase your pie sales just for a single day. There are so many different types of pies, and BakeMark has the ingredients you need to make them ALL! Whether you want to offer sweet or savory, fruity or chocolatey, BakeMark has all the ingredients you need to serve your customers a wide variety.

WHAT IS PI?

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14), in honor of the mathematical constant, pi. “Pi” is the name given to the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It is calculated as 3.14, or 22/7, and is usually abbreviated to 3.14 (or simply “Pi”). Pi is an irrational number and has an infinite number of decimal digits. However, here at BakeMark we like Pie more!

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIE

There are, literally, hundreds of different types of pies, each one with its own unique flavors and textures. Some of the most common pies include apple, cherry, pecan, blueberry, lemon meringue, key lime, and of course, pumpkin. However, there are also more unique varieties such as chicken potpie, shepherd’s pie, dirt pie, and so much more. Not to mention savory pies like quiche, spanakopita, samosas, and empanadas. There is something out there for people who like sweet pies as well as savory pies.

THE HISTORY OF PIE

The history of pies dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Fruits, nuts, and honey filled the earliest pies and were not sweet. It was not until the 16th century that sugar was added to pies, becoming a favorite among the wealthy. The pie evolved over the years, with new ingredients and recipes being added to the mix. Today, people eat pies all over the world as a part of countless cultures and cuisines.

WHY WE LOVE PIE

There are countless reasons why we love pies. The main reason is BakeMark has ALL the ingredients your bakery needs to make them! We have a great Westco Snot Block Crust Base (Google it!) that makes for a great pie crust. The name is funny but the quality is not, and it will make your life easier for National Pi Day. Also, we have endless possibilities for fillings. BakeMark’s line of fillings ranging from apple to peach, to blueberry to pumpkin will allow you to celebrate Pie Day in whatever way your customers like. They’re perfect for any occasion- from the holidays to family get-togethers, potlucks, and more.

LET BAKEMARK HELP YOU PREPARE FOR PIE DAY

Whatever your favorite type of pie may be, there is no denying that they make a fabulous dessert. BakeMark is here to support your needs to grow and be successful on a unique day where pie sales sky rocket! Your BakeMark Sales representative is ready to start planning with you.

Are You Ready For St. Patrick’s Day? Here’s What Bakery Owners Can Do To.

by Ryan McCoy
food ideas for st patricks day

The greenest and luckiest time of the year is upon us! St. Patrick’s Day is a special time where we can all come together and celebrate everything GREEN! You have a unique opportunity to bring the joy of this holiday to your customers with delicious baked goods.

Whether you’re serving up rainbow donuts or just dying everything green, there are a few things you can do to make sure your business is ready for St. Patrick’s Day. From stocking up on Sprinkelina St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkle Mix to creating special promotions, here is how you can prepare. Here is your Bakery Guide to St Patrick’s Days to make that extra “green”

A GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN AHEAD

The first step to making sure your bakery shines on St. Patrick’s Day is to plan ahead. Before the holiday even arrives, you should have a clear idea of the types of goods you want to offer, how much of each item to make, and what decorations you want to incorporate. For example, if you’re planning to make these rainbow cupcakes, make sure you have enough Extra Rich White Cake Mix. You should also plan for any additional decorations or displays you want to put up. This could include adding festive signs advertising your special St. Patrick’s Day treats. You could also hang up colorful banners decorated with shamrocks and pots of gold. Whatever decorations you choose, be sure to plan ahead and have everything ready to go before the holiday arrives.

GET YOUR GREEN ON

The second way to make sure your bakery is ready for St. Patrick’s Day is to get your green on! Since green is the main color of the holiday, you should make sure to incorporate it into your decorations and products. With just a little bit of creativity, you can give your goods a splash of Irish spirit. For example, you could mix a little green food coloring into Westco’s Sup-R-Fluffy Vanilla Buttercreme Icing to make your cupcakes stand out. You can also add a little green to your decorations as well. Create a special St. Patrick’s Day display in your window with green streamers and shamrock decorations. You can even use a few pots of gold or rainbows to add a little extra festivity. Whichever decorations you choose, make sure that you’re emphasizing the color green to get your customers in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

EMBRACE THE IRISH SPIRIT

The third way to make sure your bakery is ready for St. Patrick’s Day is to embrace the Irish spirit! To really get into the holiday spirit, you should offer fun activities to your customers. This could include hosting a 24-hour “St. Patrick’s Day Baking Marathon” or “Irish-inspired decorations” contests. You can also offer a few fun promotions, such as “Buy one, get one free” or “double Irish points” for customers who purchase your St. Patrick’s Day goods. You can also encourage your customers to celebrate with you by hosting a special event in your bakery. This could be a live Irish band playing traditional tunes, a dance competition, or a green costume contest. This is a great way to get your customers involved in the holiday and make your bakery stand out in the local community.

GO ABOVE & BEYOND

The fourth and final way to make sure your bakery is ready for St. Patrick’s Day is to go above and beyond. One of the best ways to do this is to offer unique goods that your customers won’t find anywhere else. Take the extra time this holiday and create these Good Luck Donuts and even charge a premium for them. A unique special LTO is always a great way to make a little more “green” on this holiday. These unique items will make your bakery stand out from the competition and encourage customers to come in and try something new.

BAKEMARK SALES REPS ARE HERE FOR YOU

With a little bit of preparation, you can make sure your bakery is ready for St. Patrick’s Day! From getting your green on and embracing the Irish spirit, to going above and beyond with unique items and special promotions, there are many things you can do to make your bakery stand out. With careful planning and a little bit of creativity, you can make sure your bakery is the one to beat this St. Patrick’s Day! Your BakeMark Sales Rep is your partner in growing your business, let them help you along with this Bakery Guide to St Patrick’s Days.

Mardi Gras Time is Here…Bonus Holiday Opportunity Alert!

by Ryan McCoy

Of course, Valentine’s Day is February 14 this year as it is every year.  But there’s a hidden holiday that’s an excellent opportunity for extra traffic and bonus sales.  That’s right … it’s MARDI GRAS time!  Woohoo!  King Cakes and Beignets are the traditional pastry favorites of  Mardi Gras, and you can recreate all the color, flavor, and excitement in your shop for bonus sales and profits! 

INTRODUCING THE MAJESTIC MARDI GRAS KING CAKE

The King Cake tradition began in 1870 in New Orleans and starts a time of celebration that begins the 6th day of January and continues until Ash Wednesday. The King Cake symbolizes a unity of faiths that crosses many beliefs. The rich colors are identified with: Purple for Justice, Green for Faith, and Gold for Power.  A small plastic toy baby is baked into the cake, and tradition holds that whoever finds the baby will receive good luck.  That person is also responsible for bringing a King Cake to next year’s Mardi Gras party! 

INTRODUCING THE BEIGNET

Another New Orleans-style taste treat – The Beignet!  Sweet, square, and without holes, these French-style donuts are a delicious tradition of Mardi Gras.  Beignets are fried to a golden color and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Yummm!  Serve your beignets warm and that creates a great upsell suggestive selling opportunity for your salesclerks.  It all adds up to great extra sales and profits for you!

MARDI GRAS HELP? BAKEMARK HAS YOU COVERED

Your BakeMark Sales Representative has all the tools to help you create traditional, colorful, and delicious King Cakes and Beignets – recipes, procedures, and displays.  Of course, high quality Westco products (Pride of Denmark Danish Mix, Lemon Kist Filling, Vanilla Dipping Icing, and Bu-Van) are all part of this tremendous bonus sales and profits opportunity.  Make Mardi Gras one of your shop’s holiday tradition! 

Valentine’s Day is Around the Corner, Have you Started Planning?

by Ryan McCoy

Valentine’s Day is Around the Corner, Have you Started Planning?

valentines day bakery planning

Valentine’s Day is a crucial time for any bakery owner. It is a time when people are looking for the perfect treats to give to their loved ones, and it is a chance for you to showcase your bakery’s skills and creativity. With the right Valentine’s Day bakery planning, you can ensure that your bakery is prepared for the rush of customers, and you can take advantage of the opportunity to grow your sales.

START PLANNING YOUR HEART OUT NOW!

One of the most important things to do when preparing for Valentine’s Day is to start planning early. Do not wait until the last minute to create your menu or start making your products. Instead, start thinking about what you want to offer your customers well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to experiment with different recipes, test out different flavors, and make sure that everything is perfect for the big day.

LET YOUR HEART DESIRE WITH YOUR CREATIVITY

Another important aspect of Valentine’s Day bakery planning is to create special Valentine’s Day themed treats. This is a great way to get people in the mood for the holiday and to show off your bakery’s creativity. You could make heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes, or you could decorate romantic themed Valentine’s Day cakes. Think outside the box, you could make a special chocolate-covered strawberry, a cake in the shape of a heart or make a special red velvet cake. These treats will be sure to capture the attention of customers and make your bakery stand out from the competition.

HAVE IT IN YOUR HEART TO CREATE PROMOTIONS

Another tip for Valentine’s Day bakery planning is to create a special Valentine’s Day menu. This is a great way to showcase your bakery’s best treats and to make it easy for customers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. You could offer a variety of different items such as cakes, cookies, pastries, and more. You could also offer a special Valentine’s Day deal, such as buy one, get one free, or a special discount for customers who order in advance.

MARKETING IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Marketing is also an important aspect of valentines day bakery planning.start promoting your Valentine’s Day treats and specials well in advance of the holiday. You could use social media, flyers, or posters to get the word out about your bakery’s offerings. You could also offer special deals or discounts for customers who follow your bakery on social media or sign up for your email list. This will help to generate buzz and get people excited about your bakery’s Valentine’s Day treats.

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for bakery owners to showcase their skills, creativity, and grow sales. By starting valentines day bakery planning early, creating special Valentine’s Day themed treats, creating a special Valentine’s Day menu, marketing, and being prepared for the increased demand, you can ensure that your bakery is ready for the holiday rush and that your customers will have the perfect treats to give to their loved ones. Remember, the key to success is to start planning early and be creative in your approach. Happy Valentine’s Day!

“5 Steps for Successful Bakery Planning in the New Year”

by Ryan McCoy

“5 Steps for Successful Bakery Planning in the New Year”

As a bakery owner or manager, the start of a new year is a great time to assess your business’s strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and make a plan for the year ahead. Here are five steps to help you get started with your bakery planning:

STEP 1: REVIEW YOUR PAST YEAR’S PERFORMANCE

Take some time to review your bakery’s financial performance over the past year. Look at your sales, profits, and expenses to see what areas are working well and which ones may need improvement. Consider factors such as your product mix, pricing, marketing efforts, and operating costs. This will give you a good idea of where to focus your efforts in the new year.

STEP 2: SET GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Based on your review of the past year, identify specific goals and objectives for your bakery in the new year. These might include increasing sales, improving profitability, expanding your product line, or increasing customer satisfaction. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you stay focused and track your progress throughout the year.

STEP 3: DEVELOP A MARKETING PLAN

An effective marketing plan can help you attract new customers and keep your existing ones coming back. Consider the different channels and tactics you can use to reach your target audience, such as social media and in-store promotions. Be sure to budget for your marketing efforts and allocate your resources wisely.

STEP 4: CREATE A BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLAN

A budget is a crucial tool for any business, and it’s especially important for a bakery. A budget will help you allocate your resources effectively and keep your business on track financially. Consider factors such as your projected sales, costs of goods, operating expenses, and marketing budget. Make sure you have a plan in place for how you’ll handle any unexpected expenses or challenges that may arise.

STEP 5: EVALUATE AND ADJUST YOUR PLAN REGULARLY

As you work through the year, be sure to regularly evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. This might involve revising your goals, adjusting your budget, or changing your marketing efforts. By staying flexible and open to change, you’ll be better able to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Contact your BakeMark Sales Representative to discuss how they can help you get your plan together for 2023!

Holiday Baked Goods – Is Your Bakery Ready?

by Ryan McCoy

Holiday Baked Goods – Is Your Bakery Ready?

As the holiday season approaches, many bakeries are gearing up to capitalize on the increased demand for holiday themed baked goods. There are several best practices that bakeries can implement in order to increase sales during this busy time of year.

Tip #1: Offer a variety of holiday-themed baked goods

One way for bakeries to stand out during the season is to offer a selection of holiday-themed baked goods. This could include gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, yule logs, and other treats that are associated with the holiday season. By offering these items, bakeries can appeal to customers who are looking for something special to enjoy during the holidays.

Tip #2: Create holiday gift bundles and gift cards

Another way for bakeries to promote and sell their treats during the holiday season is to create holiday gift bundles and gift cards. These can make great gifts for friends, family, and coworkers, and can help to introduce new customers to the bakery’s products. For example, a holiday gift bundle could include a selection of cookies, a loaf of bread, and a jar of jam. Even better, offer gift cards in bundles to bring back repeat customers after the holidays.

Tip #3: Use social media to promote special offers and deals

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for promoting businesses and their products. Bakeries can use social media to announce special offers and deals, such as discounts on holiday-themed baked goods or free delivery for orders over a certain amount. By regularly posting updates on social media, bakeries can keep their customers informed and generate excitement around their products.

As the holiday approaches, keep BakeMark in mind for all your fall baking needs – we can absolutely supply you with everything you need to make this fall the best one yet! Reach out to your BakeMark rep today to start planning.

Don’t “Fall” Behind!

by Ryan McCoy
Fall Baking Flavors

Don’t “Fall” Behind! Plan for Fall Baking Flavors!

Even though it’s still hot and sunny outside, fall will be here before you know it! You need to be prepared! It’s never too early to start getting ready for some Fall baking flavor ideas. Let BakeMark help you be ready to go long before the season even gets here.

Warm and Cozy Flavors

The flavors of fall are known to be warm & cozy. With the scorching summer sun and heat, it might be hard to think about the cooler days of fall, but the truth is, they’ll be upon us in a hurry! Pumpkin and cinnamon flavors combined with vibrant colors will usher in the new season in just a few weeks. Don’t let yourself “fall” behind in being ready.

Fall Baking Flavors are Not Just Pumpkin Desserts

Fall flavors might be dominated by pumpkin and sometimes cinnamon, but these delicious flavors don’t have to be limited to just dessert. BakeMark also offers pumpkin seeds that can help you make delectable loaves of bread and other baked delights to celebrate the season!

BakeMark also offers a cinnamon roll mix from Westco! This mix will have you whipping up some amazing breakfast treats quickly and easily without sacrificing quality. After all, the best way to start a fall day is with a mouth-watering cinnamon roll! But if cinnamon rolls aren’t your speed, BakeSense Canned Pumpkin is the perfect addition to pumpkin muffins which will also be a breakfast hit.

Desserts Are Still An Option

Of course, if you prefer to stick to desserts, BakeMark always has you covered there. Use BakeSense Pumpkin Pie spice blend to whip up pumpkin pies effortlessly for the pumpkin fans in your bakery. Fall desserts aren’t limited to just pumpkin pie though! How about some fall-themed sugar cookies featuring our Sprinkelina Autumn and Halloween mixes to change things up in your bakery?


As fall approaches, keep BakeMark in mind for all your fall baking needs – we can absolutely supply you with everything you need to make this fall the best one yet! Reach out to your BakeMark rep today to start planning.

bakery bakery mixes Baking donut mixes Donuts holidays ingredients Pie Sprinkles the bakers mark

Over 130 Years of History…BakeMark History

by Ryan McCoy
Bakemark Supplier History

Over 130 Years of History…BakeMark History

The year was 1892. What a great year this was. Ellis Island began receiving immigrants in 1892. The first escalator was patented in 1892. It is also in 1892 that Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was first recognized as a national holiday. That is also the year BakeMark’s history began. What started with food ingredients supply in 1892 has grown for 130 years to become something very special. From there the BakeMark supplier history just started to boom!

Celebrating BakeMark’s Contribution to the Baking Industry

BakeMark is now the largest bakery supplier in North America, with 6 manufacturing plants and 30 distribution centers, and we are very happy and proud to be celebrating 130 years of service to the baking industry! Aside from the growth and expansion, what is most special to us is that we have been serving customers for 130 years. That is the most important reason we celebrate, and we look forward to many more years of helping customers grow their operation with top-quality ingredients, frozen solutions and supplies, across our industry leading brands.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop There

BakeMark will continue to grow and expand. Therefore this means planning better service for customers for years to come. The continued expansion has always been, and will continue to be, rooted in how to deliver to the needs of customers. So with 30 distribution centers and 6 manufacturing locations, BakeMark will always deliver. As BakeMark’s customer base continues to grow, and as customers continue to expand, we will continue to expand with them. With today’s challenges, we are very grateful to reach this milestone and we thank all of our customers for choosing BakeMark. Give us a call. Send us an email. We are here to help you grow. We have been doing this for over 130 years and there is more to come.

Summer Holidays?

by Ryan McCoy
Summer Holidays

Summer Holidays?

There are More than The Calendar Says!

Summer is full of hidden opportunities for sales and profits that you can’t see on the calendar.  Except for Flag Day (June 14), Father’s Day (June 19), and Independence Day (July 4), there are no “automatic” annual Summer holidays, like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  Do not fear!  Summer is a time when the demand for sweets is at its highest. You need to be at-the-ready and creative with high quality, refreshing baked goods throughout the season.  Summer is the time for social events and gatherings – as well as countless graduations. So every day has the potential to be a big day! 

Count on BakeMark for Quality and Variety

When thinking of Summer and vacations, almost everyone thinks about carefree relaxing by the pool or beach, cool tropical drinks, and plenty of sunshine.  With Trigal Dorado tropical fillings, you’re never very far away from the daydream of cool tropical breezes.  Think of delicious Mango Filling, Pineapple Filling, and Guava Filling, and you’re on Summer vacation!  Create filled donuts and bars.  Scrumptious Danishes and tarts.  Even pies and cakes created with fruits of the tropics!  Delicious and memorable.  For you as a bakery professional, Summer is the perfect time to rollout these taste treats for your customers. 

Mauisada – The Name Screams “Hawaiian Sweet Treat”

Are your customers looking for the fun, enjoyable experience of Hawaii?  Try adding Mauisadas to your display case!  This traditional sweet treat delivers a rich texture and a sweet, flavorful experience – and – should be priced as a premium product!  Available in 25 lb. bags, it’s easy to create a “tropics only” zone in your display case.  These unique creations are perfect for filling with Trigal Dorado tropical fillings and are the next best thing to being in Hawaii.  Ask your BakeMark Sales Representative for a “Mauisada Merchandise Display Kit” that helps your display case complete the daydream of being in Hawaii – if only for as long as it takes to devour this delicious treat.

Your Secret Summertime Weapon – Guaranteed

The next time you look at a calendar, picture Summer as one giant bakery opportunity made up of ninety individual days.  Yes.  It’s important to be smart for Flag Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day.  But it’s also smart to look at every Summer day as a special day for sweet baked goods.  And how do you maximize your sale opportunities, creative display ideas, and in-store marketing?  Just think about your BakeMark Sales Representative!  He or she has experienced many seasons and can point you in the right direction – this Summer season and EVERY season. 

Always remember:  BakeMark Is Here To Help! 

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What’s the way to a dad’s heart?

by Ryan McCoy
Father's Day

What’s the way to a Father’s Heart?

The old saying goes that the way to a man’s hear is through his stomach, so what better way for your bakery to promote the upcoming Father’s Day holiday than to have plenty of goodies on hand?

Lots of Options: Father’s like them All!

Mother’s Day arguably gets a lot more attention when it comes to the two parental holidays, but that doesn’t mean that Father’s Day and dear old dad shouldn’t get some attention too! After all, with the world as busy as it is, we likely don’t take the time to recognize either parent on a regular enough basis.

In the bakery world, there are plenty of options for you to explore for Father’s Day, and BakeMark can help you make them a reality. Maybe your customer’s dads are chocolate lovers – no problem, because BakeMark can help you create delicious brownies for Father’s Day with some great brownie mixes and recipes! We can even help you decorate them up just right for any dad, no matter what they are into, with our many icing and fudge options, not to mention our decorative sprinkles!

If not chocolate, maybe dad’s favorite is donuts, and of course, BakeMark is here to that too! BakeMark is well known for our donut mixes, so we can help you crate the most delicious special treats just for dad this Father’s Day.

Choose What Works

Just like bakeries, no two dads are quite the same, but with BakeMark’s help, you can offer treats that just about any dad will love! Brownies and donuts are just the start of what dads might wan this Father’s Day, but it’s certainly not all that BakeMark can help you create. Let us help you whip up a whole lot of love for the dads in your customer’s lives with year with all the options that are a perfect fir for you. Contact your BakeMark rep today to get ready for Father’s Day!

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