A multinational company specializing in bakery premixes and ingredients sought to strengthen its relationships with its key clients: small, independent bakeries. They recognized that these clients often lacked formal business and technical skills, which limited their growth and, by extension, the company’s sales. To address this, the company needed a scalable training solution that could be delivered across multiple regions and in various languages.
We were engaged to create a comprehensive Bakery Retailer Training Program. The goal was to empower small bakery owners and their staff with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their business operations, enhance product quality, and increase profitability.
Our team began by developing a Training Content library covering essential topics such as:
- Bakery Science Fundamentals: The role of ingredients and basic chemistry.
- Recipe Optimization: Techniques for consistent quality and cost control.
- Hygiene and Food Safety: Best practices for a clean and safe environment.
- Retail and Merchandising: Strategies for product display and customer engagement.
- Financial Literacy: Basic concepts of costing, pricing, and profit calculation.
Recognizing the vast geographical reach and language diversity of the client base, we translated and localized all training materials, including presentations, workbooks, and quick-reference guides, into five languages.
A crucial part of the project was the “Train the Trainer” (TTT) program. We trained the multinational company’s technical sales and support staff (all of whom were chefs) to become certified trainers. This TTT program focused not only on the content but also on effective adult learning principles, presentation skills, and workshop facilitation techniques. This approach created an internal capability for continuous training and support.
To maximize engagement and retention, we developed a series of Training Aids, including:
- Video Tutorials: Short, easy-to-follow clips demonstrating key techniques.
- Physical Toolkits: Handouts, recipe cards, and checklists for on-the-job use.
- Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions to practice new skills and troubleshoot common issues.
The program was rolled out in phases, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
