News
Macarons to hit menu at Ramada Plaza JBR
After bagging nine medals at this year’s Gulfood event, the Ramada Plaza JBR team is exploring ways to step up its offering and has announced that macarons will be on the hotel’s menu soon. “Trends in sweets come and go, but for some time now, it seems that dessert at every meal is preferred in favour of occasional premium indulgence,” asserts pastry chef Prashan Perera.
“In the near future, we are going to utilise the French macaron as part of our pastry selection. Macarons are light-as-a-feather French confections that can be assembled pulling from a mix-and-match palette of sweet fillings and bases,” he adds
CSM Bakery encourages customers to go green
Sustainability in all forms is a global trend, with many people trying to do their bit to help ensure a longer life for the planet and its inhabitants. CSM Bakery Solutions started its journey towards sustainable sourcing in 2010 and is today offering its customers the opportunity to select from one of the three Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sourcing models. “CSM actively supports customers who wish to follow the RSPO vision of sustainable palm oil. This is possible as all CSM factories are RSPO certified,” reveals CSM channel marketing director, Michael Pruss.
Top trends
- Back to basics
There has always been something appealing about tiny things. Though quality is key there has been a marked shift towards smaller portions in pastry, according to Mazen Marakebji, marketing manager, Baqer Mohebi. “Big things are not attractive or appealing any longer. We’ve seen a move toward small portions. In terms of perception, consumers seem to believe smaller portions deliver higher quality.”
- The best things in life are free
Whether it’s dairy or gluten, free-from options are on the rise, particularly in bakery and pastry. La Marquise reports that 6-7% of the UAE’s population is gluten intolerant and the move toward this category is not always for reasons of allergies or intolerances, but with consumers perceiving such options as better for their health too.
- Healthier options
According to 2015 figures from the International Diabetes Federation, 37 million people are living with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa, which represents about 9.7% of the population. That figure, it forecasts, will nearly double in the next 20 years.
Consumer awareness of this disease has risen, prompting a shift in dietary habits.
“We are working to satisfy that need, finding a balance between decadence and health,” says CSM’s Michael Pruss. “Our Sunfry Baking doughnuts are award-winning products for reaching the balance between indulgent taste and health and wellness. With at least 40% less fat than the standard donut and significantly less saturated fat and calories, with no compromise to taste, these donuts are the ideal treat.”
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