Baked goods are among the main staple food categories in many cuisines around the world. From hearty and savory pies to delicious pastries and desserts, there’s a wide variety of products in this category. Although some businesses prepare their own baked products, many companies purchase them from commercial bakeries. The main difference between them and regular bakeries is that they focus on B2B sales of baked goods. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share more about the bakery sector in Virginia. If you wish to find a wholesale bakery in Virginia, check out our list of suppliers below. This post is part of our series on Virginia wholesalers. In previous articles, we’ve discussed Richmond wholesale meat suppliers, the industry of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach, and the Virginia gourmet food sector.
Key takeaway: Many bakeries sell both wholesale and retail. Restaurants, retailers, catering companies, and other businesses often choose to partner with a wholesale bakery in Virginia because of the freshness of their products. Alternatively, they might choose to order baked goods from broadline distributors.
The Bakery Industry in Virginia
Bakeries are found all across the state. Naturally, the highest concentration of bakeries is in the Hampton Roads and Richmond metropolitan areas. The busy lives of people in these regions are the reason why there are many retail bakeries there. Wholesale bakeries in Virginia are often located in industrial parts of towns or nearby important infrastructure. This helps them easily offer bulk deliveries to businesses across the area while also reducing their leasing costs. Although most bakeries offer a wide selection of pastries and savory baked goods, some businesses choose to specialize. For example, they might exclusively use French recipes or focus on cakes and other desserts typical for large events and gatherings. A wholesale bakery in Virginia might also focus on a very limited menu. This allows the business to benefit from economies of scale.
Categories of Baked Goods Sold by Commercial Bakeries in Virginia
Although there are a few main categories of baked goods, the products in them have multiple variations. Let’s examine some of the main product groups in the baking sector.
- Bread. As one of the main staple foods in Europe, Asia, and Africa, there are multiple varieties of bread. From regular sourdough or whole-wheat bread to American classics like cornbread or pumpkin bread, wholesale bakeries in Virginia offer a wide selection of bread.
- Cakes. They are most commonly purchased by individuals planning to celebrate a special occasion. Retailers and food service businesses also aim to find suppliers of delicious and Instagramable cakes.
- Cookies and bars. Cookies are among the favorite desserts for people of all ages. That’s why they are purchased in bulk by many businesses. A wholesale bakery in Virginia might also offer white-labeling services for cookies, bars, or other packaged baked goods.
- Other desserts and pastries. From croissants and pretzels to muffins and brownies, there are multiple types of pastries and baked desserts.
- Specialty baked goods. This category refers to either gourmet products made from more expensive ingredients, baked goods suitable for people with dietary restrictions, or other specialty baked products. Typical examples include artisan baked goods or gluten-free options that have become increasingly popular.
Broadline Distributor VS Wholesale Bakery in Virginia
Many companies choose to partner with broadline food distributors in Virginia that also offer baked goods. That’s especially true for businesses that wish to have a limited number of suppliers or companies that order a limited variety of wholesale baked goods.
The main benefit of partnering with a wholesale bakery in Virginia instead of a broadline wholesaler is the wide selection of products available at wholesale prices. Furthermore, commercial bakeries in Richmond or the Hampton Roads area might also offer various customization options. They can also consult business owners regarding the baking trends in the restaurant and hotel industry.
Top Choices for Wholesale Bakery in Virginia
Although many retailers and restaurant businesses prefer to purchase bread and other baked goods from broadline distributors, there are multiple commercial bakeries in Virginia that offer a combination of wide variety and quality.
The French Bread Factory
As the name of the company suggests, its main focus is on French pastries, bread, and desserts. Based in Sterling, Virginia, the company offers deliveries of wholesale products across Richmond, Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC.
Known for: Their history of over 25 years in the commercial bakery niche market and their high-end French pastries and bread.
Cardinal Bakery
Specializing in brick oven bread and other Italian baked goods, this is the preferred wholesale bakery in Virginia for multiple restaurant managers and hospitality businesses. From sub and sandwich rolls to breakfast items and high-quality pizza dough, Cardinal Bakery has a wide range of baked products. The company combines traditional methods with modern bakery technology and the result is the uncompromising quality of their products.
Known for: The variety of Italian bread offered.
May's Parlor
From elegant wedding cakes to delicious breakfast options, May's Parlor is the right choice. The company has one location in Virginia Beach and one in Norfolk. Their third location is not open to the public and is designated for pickups and deliveries of freshly baked goods or catering orders.
Known for: Their artisan pastries, stylish wedding cakes, and their cozy locations where people can enjoy coffee and quality baked goods.
The Swiss Bakery
Swiss products are known for their impeccable quality. The same is true for pastries. The Swiss Bakery is known for its artisanal baked goods. The company also sells retail cheeses, sausages, beer, wine, and chocolates from Switzerland and other European countries. They are the sole importers of various popular Swiss brands and can help businesses and individuals with catering services.
Known for: Their high-end Swiss products and their catering services.
Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Bakeries in Virginia
If you’re looking for advice on maximizing profits or what are the high-demand products to sell, you’ll find multiple tips on our website. Below are the answers to common questions regarding wholesale bakeries in Virginia. Make sure to also check our posts on starting a bakery business, creating a bakery business plan, and what is the most crucial bakery equipment.
Can Bakeries Sell Both Wholesale and Retail?
Yes. Many bakeries sell both to individuals and businesses. It’s important to keep in mind that bakeries that the demand for retail and wholesale baked goods can be substantially different. For example, during the morning peak hours, retail bakeries sell primarily savory goods like pretzels and croissants. On the other hand, commercial bakeries might get orders from catering businesses that organize events for hundreds of people. A bakery might also need to get a wholesale license and fulfill other regulatory requirements in order to sell baked goods in bulk.
Can You Bake and Sell Homemade Baked Goods?
Virginia cottage food laws permit the sale of baked goods and other low-risk foods such as dried pasta, dry baking mixes, and cereals. People in Virginia can also sell refrigerated baked goods if they are approved for home food processing operation. If you are interested in selling baked goods online, you’ll also need to complete a permit application for a home food processing operation. Other regulations specify the sales cap of cottage food and restrictions related to the place of business.
Are Bakeries Profitable?
Yes. Operating a bakery business can be a profitable enterprise. The margin of bakeries is between 4% and 10%. The category with the highest profit markup is specialty baked goods like gluten-free products. There are a lot of things to consider when creating a successful business in this field. For example, bakeries need to follow the trends and offer products that are currently in high demand. Selling gluten-free or vegan pastries can help your bakery’s marketing efforts. Another way to increase the profitability of a bakery business is to expand the company’s reach. This can be done by selling to both individuals and businesses. If you operate a wholesale bakery in Virginia, search for customers in the restaurant industry, hotel groups, or catering businesses.
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