Most of all, consumers want a muffin that stands out from the crowd. “We have witnessed significant growth in our custom foods division due to the increased demand for signature bakery items,” says Joe Schaefer, marketing coordinator, Main Street Gourmet.

“We are getting inquiries from [bakers] wanting differentiation and proprietary products…they want signature items, not something they will see next door to their stores,” adds Steve Marks, C.E.O., Main Street Gourmet.

For more information, complete the Fast Fax on page 45.
Top 5 muffin brands

Source: Information Resources Inc. statistics for the 52-week period ended May 18, 2008.

Photo Courtesy of Main Street Gourmet

No muffin left behind
Bi-annually, Main Street Gourmet, Akron, Ohio, opens its doors to the community and sells overstock products at $1 per lb., donating a portion of the proceeds to a local charity.
To date, Main Street Gourmet has donated more than $12,000 to local charities.

“The ‘No Muffin Left Behind’ sale began as a creative way to rid ourselves of off-spec product, while involving the local community,” says Jon Yerrick, muffin adoption specialist and IT director, Main Street Gourmet. “The event is focused on fun, with contests like ‘Name the Sad Muffin’ and a ‘Golden Muffin’ prize à la Willy Wonka when our C.E.O., Harvey Nelson, dressed as the famous chocolate maker and escorted the winners to the front of the line for the first pick of the available products.” The company also has involved a local Cub Scout Troop that operates a soft drink concession for waiting customers.

The event has resulted in more than $100,000 in donated goods to the Akron-Canton Food Bank.