Top Trends

1. Presentation on top

Not just the taste, but the actual design and look of pastries is important. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach executive pastry chef David Peduzzi says: “Today a lot of pastry chefs are focusing on design and visual aspect of the pastries or plated dessert — it has to look good and stylish. We are therefore able to develop modern techniques more, such as molecular, nitrogen, microwave sponge, which develops a concentration of taste and clean presentation.”

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2. Novelty products in vogue

Personalised pastries and novelty items are all the rage. Gelly Kalouta, cake artist, Cakes by La Farine at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, says she specialises in personalised cakes for special occasions, mainly 3D sugar paste designs. “One current trend I’ve noticed is size and scale; people are now interested in huge cakes with many tiers, especially for weddings. We recently had a wedding where the couple requested an enormous cake to be lowered from the ceiling into the centre of Dubai Ballroom and their wedding party. It was a great spectacle and the guests adored it.” In addition, La Marquise pastry chef and IRCA brand manager Ben Amor reveals: “At the moment, people want unique shapes and designs of sugar dough, especially as they seek creativity in wedding and birthday cakes.”

3. The next big thing

Dominique Ansel started the cronut fad. What’s next? Magnolia Bakery chief baking officer Bobbie Lloyd says this forms part of two trends that are occurring simultaneously. She explains: “On the one hand, pastry chefs are looking to create the next big movement, much like Dominique Ansel did with the cronut. On the other, there are food bloggers and bakers taking classic desserts and recipes and infusing them with unique flavours and ingredients — making something old new again.”

Latest news

Baqer Mohebi Enterprises (BME) in co-operation with Puratos launched ‘The Innovation Centre’ in Dubai last year, and is attracting people from the hospitality industry across the UAE to learn how to quickly and profitably prepare a range of breads and pastries for their businesses.

This new initiative is a notable step forward in the competitive ‘in-store’ baking market, according to Baqer Mohebi marketing manager Mazen Marakebji.

“Puratos operates over 50 Innovation Centres globally and the UAE is one of the newest locations. These exist to apply new ideas, follow consumer trends, apply advances and provide hands-on interaction with customers,” Marakebji adds.

BME is also closely supporting Puratos’ programme of baking and pastry seminars in the UAE.

“These are valuable opportunities for our patrons to gain first-hand knowledge from visiting Puratos experts about improving their product knowledge and stimulating new income opportunities,” adds Marakebji.

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