Latest news with #artisanbakery
Fast Company
02-07-2025
- Fast Company
‘Bakery tourism' is the sweet new travel trend for Gen Z and food lovers
How far would you travel in search of a sweet treat? 'Bakery tourism' is on the rise, with more and more people traveling—sometimes across the globe—in search of the perfect flaky croissant or artisan bun they spotted online. Long lines aren't a deterrent; in fact, they're often part of the appeal. A crowd signals you've found the right spot. Jessica Morgan-Helliwell, 26, and her mother, Louise Church, 48, are two self-proclaimed 'bakery tourists.' They visit at least one new artisan bakery every weekend and have even planned entire international trips around bucket-list pastry spots. 'Having that shared interest is really lovely, and we get to explore lovely places along the way—and eat some really good food,' the pair told the New York Post. They're not alone. As younger generations swap binge drinking for early morning pastry runs, independent bakeries are having a major moment. Social media drives the trend, with itineraries crafted from viral videos documenting Paris croissant crawls, East London bakery tours, bucket-list eateries in Seoul, and taste tests of classic Filipino pastries. The treats themselves are often inventive takes on the familiar: cube-shaped croissants, croissant-shaped cookies, pastries filled with fruit, or ones styled to look like fruit. Most are mouthwatering. Some are clearly engineered for the algorithm. These viral baked goods rarely come cheap. But they reflect our growing appetite for small indulgences, a phenomenon known as the 'lipstick effect.' Even during economic downturns, a splurge on an $8 almond croissant feels manageable in comparison with a pricey dinner out. Spending on small luxuries can also offer emotional benefits. Studies show that doing so can restore a sense of control, ease sadness, and create a sense of accomplishment. According to the British Baker website, 80% of Gen Zers say a daily sweet treat boosts their mental health—a continuation of what journalist Imogen West-Knights dubbed 'treat brain' back in 2021 during the pandemic. 'Treats can act as a temporary Band-Aid over a deeper need,' West-Knights wrote for the Financial Times. 'When we are very tired—say, because we're juggling homeschooling and a job—what we might really need is more sleep. But if we can't get it, a more easily available source of comfort might be chocolate or wine.' Or, of course, a flaky, sugar-dusted pastry. Whether you're on a bakery crawl through Copenhagen or just visiting a new viral spot in your neighborhood, getting coffee and a sweet treat has become an event in itself. Any excuse to get out of the house and break bread.
Al Arabiya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Careem Groceries launches exclusive UAE partnership with Marcel Bakery
Careem Groceries now offers customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi premium, freshly-baked goods delivered in under 20 minutes through an exclusive partnership with Marcel Bakery by Boulangeries de Paris. Marcel Bakery, renowned globally for supplying artisan sourdoughs, viennoiseries, and patisseries to Michelin-star restaurants and luxury hotels in London, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, brings its expertise directly to UAE homes exclusively via Careem Groceries. 'For years, our sourdough has been served in the kitchens of Michelin-starred chefs and luxury hotels around the world. We've always been about quality, not quantity - but this partnership with Careem lets us do something special,' Chef Fouhade Belaid, Founder and CEO of Marcel Bakery, said. 'Through our partnership with Marcel Bakery, customers can now enjoy chef-quality baked goods delivered oven-fresh in under 20 minutes - whether it's a warm sourdough loaf for breakfast or an elegant dessert to elevate a dinner party at home,' Chase Lario, VP of Carem Groceries, said. In addition to premium bakery items, customers can stock up on a wide range of everyday essentials through Careem Groceries, including fresh produce, pantry staples, household supplies, stationery, personal care items, and electronics. Customers can order from the new bakery collection and everyday essentials by downloading or opening the Careem app and selecting 'Groceries' on the home screen. Careem Plus members benefit from free delivery and exclusive discounts on food and grocery orders, along with savings across a wide range of services including international money transfers, rides, home cleaning, and Careem Bike.
