If you run a bakery and want the business to grow, one of the best ways to achieve this is by offering delivery. Of course, this can have its own range of difficulties, as you are hoping to transport perishable goods, but most of these issues will be easy to plan around.
One of the biggest issues you might face during this change is guaranteeing freshness. Many factors can affect this problem, including the distance to the customer’s door from the bakery, but the right planning can ease this strain. To learn how to guarantee freshness when delivering baked goods, keep reading.
Prioritize the Right Packaging
When cakes, cookies, and pastries leave your bakery, the control you have diminishes significantly. This is why you must ensure the baked goods are packaged correctly, and this includes selecting the right type of packaging. There are many different types of packaging for perishable items, from individual wrapping to sturdy boxes, but you must consider how protective each one is before finalizing your decision.
For example, individual wrapping with cellophane or plastic wrap can keep items fresh and prevent them from sticking together. However, frosted cakes might require additional wrapping in parchment paper or foil before the plastic wrap for added protection. Similarly, a cake will need a stable base to prevent shifting as well as a carrier for easy transportation.
The outer packaging should also be protective, with sturdy boxes often preferred. Corrugated cardboard or kraft paper boxes are ideal for shipping baked goods, and these can be improved by using cushioning, like bubble wrap, to absorb shocks and prevent damage. If the items require cooler environments, then it is advised to include gel packs or insulated liners to keep them cool.
Choose a Reliable Courier
With the baked goods in the right packaging, they will be kept in better condition, assuming they are handled correctly and delivered promptly. To ensure this happens, you will need to select a reliable courier. Most couriers that deliver perishables will advertise this service on their website, as shown by the Florida Couriers website. This is because they will have the equipment and staffing to carry out quick – even same-day – deliveries.
Quality courier companies will train their workers to a high standard, meaning they have experience handling delicate products. As baked goods can be easily damaged during transit, the courier service will take the necessary steps to minimize the risk of breakage, crushing, etc. Your baked goods are more likely to arrive in the same condition they left the bakery when you select a trained and trustworthy courier.
Think About Temperature Control
As previously mentioned, some baked goods will require cooler temperatures to prevent spoiling. Items like cheesecake, fruit tarts, and eclairs. Anything that includes cream, custard, fruit fillings, or specific types of frosting should be refrigerated, even during transport. This is why using gel packs or insulated liners can be useful.
However, additional steps should be taken during transport to ensure these perishable products remain at the correct temperature. Temperature monitoring devices, like sensors and data loggers, can be fitted inside the vehicle to track the temperature and ensure it maintains the required coolness. These devices can even send notifications to drivers if temperatures begin to deviate from the set range.
To conclude, running a bakery can be a dream come true, especially as the business expands. If you want to offer delivery to your customers, then there are a few aspects to consider to ensure the baked goods remain fresh. Thankfully, this post outlines three of the key ways to do just that.