Gonnella Baking opens new research centre in Illinois

Gonnella Baking Company, a US-based manufacturer of bread products, has opened a new research centre in its facility in Schaumburg, Illinois.

The new centre will strengthen Gonnella’s capabilities to develop new products.

It will enable the bakery to anticipate client needs and respond quickly to consumer-driven changes in the marketplace.

Gonnella Baking sales and marketing vice president Tom Marcucci said the company is a leader in research and development for frozen dough and baked items.

"Gonnella recognises that innovation drives business forward, so we listen and react to our customers’ ideas for growth," Marcucci added.

The new 2,000ft² centre features modern ovens, proof boxes, mixers, storage for dry ingredients, a refrigerator and freezer, as well as a variety of workspaces.

It will serve as an instructional centre for employees and a training facility for customers and bakery technicians.

The research centre will simulate different production environments in a controlled setting and will provide the Gonnella team with insight on processes, formulations and the feasibility of new items.

The Gonnella team includes a food scientist, certified research chef, retail baker, food technician, and regulatory and quality experts.
Customers will be able to work side-by-side with the Gonnella research and development group, during any stage of the development process.

The team provides customers with tailored product development innovation opportunities as well as product optimisation and troubleshooting.

Gonnella Baking research and development vice president Ruth Meyer said the company aims to continuously improve the quality of bread and dough items in order to effectively respond to the demands of both existing and potential customers.

"Our product development process guides the R&D team from the beginning concept to market introduction, ensuring a consistent, quality product every step of the way," said Meyer.

Gonnella produces around four million pounds of product weekly across its four facilities. The family-owned company offers bread, frozen dough, par-baked products and fully baked frozen items, among others.

It also provides contract baking, private label products and custom baking solutions – working in partnership with its clients to bring their ideas, opportunities and concepts to fruition.

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Image: Gonnella launches its new research centre in Illinois, US. Photo courtesy of Gonnella Baking Co.