Baking, a crowded industry

But bakery association official says it's good

THE baking industry in the country is a "crowded industry" but it is a good sign, an official of the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) said.

FCBI 2nd vice president Jimmy Sy said the baking industry, however crowded it is, is still healthy as it provides good competition and a wider range of choices for the customers.

"If there are many competitions, the prices will be more stable. That's why friendly competition is also good. If many will be aware and have their own bakery, for example, our prices will be better," said Sy.

Competitions will also create an urge for the bakeries to continually improve their products. Sy added the growing industry will help for the growing livelihood program in the country.

As the basic baking practices are already very much accessible through vocational trainings by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), a lot of bakeries are being put up while other bakers choose to start their baking careers at home.

Davao Bakers Club, Inc. (DBCI) President Cecil Abarquez-Dela Cruz said they have noticed a lot of bakeries in Davao City just located near each other.

Currently, DBCI have more than 30 members coming from different areas in Mindanao. The Mindanao Cake Decorating Society, which is a group of home-based bakers, now reached more than 2,400 members online.

"Although we are rice-eating country, but rice alone is not sufficient. We need baking to supplement - bakery products like pan de sal which is a daily staple. We need those supplement, otherwise it will be insufficient," Sy said.

However, they are also aware of the many things that still need to be improved especially with the home-based bakers such as the standard procedures and protocols to be followed.