Three bakers from Nigeria, Canada, and Lebanon discuss the challenges of the bakery industry amidst economic fluctuations. They share their passion for breadmaking, the importance of quality ingredients, and the resilience needed to thrive in the business. The podcast explores the emotional connection to baking, the joy of working with dough, and the impact of inflation on small businesses.
Bakers emphasize balancing cost with quality amidst economic pressures.
Passion for bread making fosters resilience and creativity in facing industry challenges.
Deep dives
Passion for Bread Making
Artisanal bakers from Nigeria, Canada, and Lebanon share their profound passion for bread making, illustrating the emotional and psychological connections formed with bread through nurturing dough like a child. Tracy, a second-generation baker, reminisces about her family's baking legacy, while Alex and Samir discuss their career transitions into baking, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working in the food industry.
Challenges in the Food Business
The bakers reflect on the challenges faced in the food industry, particularly amidst economic uncertainties and inflation. They discuss the impact of rising prices and currency devaluation on their operations, emphasizing the struggle to balance cost increases with maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Factors like climate, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer preferences further complicate business sustainability.
Resilience and Innovation in Baking
Despite economic pressures, the bakers exhibit resilience and creativity in adapting to market changes and preserving traditional baking practices. With a focus on quality ingredients, natural production processes, and artisanal craftsmanship, they highlight the importance of authenticity and customer trust in the face of evolving industry dynamics. The conversation underscores the dedication and passion that drive bakers to overcome adversities and uphold the art of bread making.
In a world where ingredients cost more due to war and inflation how is easy is it to make and sell our daily bread?
Ruth Alexander speaks to three bakers about how they started in the industry, the highs and lows and economic pressures in their part of the world.
Alex Oke is the owner of XO Boutique Bakery in Lagos, Nigeria, Tracey Muzzolini is the owner of Christies Mayfair Bakery in Saskatoon, Canada and Samer Chamoun is the owner of The Lebanese Bakery, a chain of 12 branches including Beirut, Cairo and London.
Presented by Ruth Alexander.
Produced by Rumella Dasgupta.
(Image: Alex Oke holding a loaf of Nigerian agege bread and Tracey Muzzolini holding a loaf of sourdough bread. Credit: Donna Martins/Chelsea Walton/BBC)
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