Case Study: Entrepreneurial bakery manufacturer predicts the next baking ingredient trend
As plant-based and sustainability demands drive innovation, Nikola’s Foods stresses there is value and versatility in using certified sustainable palm oil.
Foods made with plant-based, clean-label, and sustainable ingredients are trending, but the baking industry has yet to fully capitalize on these high-profit opportunities. One industry leader fueling the momentum for change is Michael Itskovich, founder and director of innovation and R&D for Nikola’s Bakery, which specializes in conceptualizing, designing, developing, formulating and producing one-of-a-kind, marketable and profitable brands for retail and food service.
“There is little innovation in most retail bakery departments,” observes Itskovich, a 25-year industry veteran. “It’s important to me to improve our industry by improving how we think about food and ingredients.” After an eye-opening experience, Itskovich is convinced that Malaysia’s certified sustainable palm shortening is a ‘sleeper’ ingredient that is about to become a major player.