Bread banderole

“Make me a banderole that can be baked.” This phone order marks the beginning of the development of an extraordinary marketing banderole that must withstand various physical stresses. What initially sounds like an absurd idea has now turned into a million-unit business – not in francs, but in the number of banderoles produced.

“Make me a banderole that can be baked.”

Bread, as a daily staple, holds great significance. This was recognized by major retailers in Germany, who developed small bakeries for their stores. Fresh, quality bread was intended to attract customers into the shop.

Concept of a specialty bread offering

Although still produced industrially, the products gain greater value through new recipes and updated interiors. The diverse range should also include specialty breads, which will be marked with a banderole and promoted as unique offerings. This involved creating a marketing banderole aimed at boosting the sales of specialty breads.

Develop suitable materialization

Primcut was tasked with developing the appropriate material selection for such a marketing banderole. A visit to the largest bakery in Germany made it clear what a multitude of criteria needed to be met.

Requirements for the marketing banderole

Due to the heat, the banderole must be made of paper, hygienic, approved for food contact, and sealable, as it needs to close on itself without clips or glue. It must also withstand the extreme temperature difference between the oven and the freezer.

Production process including the banderole

The specialty breads, which are 95% baked, are to be fitted with a paper banderole on the production line in the bakery. Shortly thereafter, the still-hot bread along with the banderole is shock-frozen at –42°C. Throughout the supply chain, temperatures remain below –22°C, and the banderole must withstand the kinetic impacts of transportation without sustaining damage. Upon arrival at the store, the breads are placed back in the oven at 230 to 240°C before being displayed on the shelves for sale.

Survive the process unscathed

After all these process steps, the banderole must still look appealing so that it fulfills its promotional function. It therefore needs to meet aesthetic, food safety, and physical requirements.

Development, test run, delivery

Primcut researches potential materials based on the requirements. Initial samples are “baked” in a home oven for testing purposes. Suitable varnishes and dispersion adhesives are tested, albeit with some limitations. A small batch is produced using the machinery and tested again in the oven. Soon after, the first delivery leaves the production facility – there’s no longer any reason to wait for this innovation.

Marketing banderoles from Primcut

• Baking banderole for specialty breads
• Premium ham banderole
• Salami banderole
• Convenience food banderole