Unlocking the potential of the PureCraft Partnership

A day in the life of David Mountford, Business Manager – Craft & Confectionery.

Time at PureCraft: Over 2 years.

Who I work with: My customer groups are the SME Craft Bakeries; these are medium sized manufacturers / wholesalers who may have a number of retail shops.

The expertise and services I provide: The role is essentially that of a solutions provider, in a commercial customer facing position. This allows me to be the conduit to find not only the right product and / or bakery ingredient but also the correct technical support for that product. 

As this is a B2B service, many customers require a large amount of information - information that we can provide that gives them access to a larger customer base for their own business.

Hello! I'm David Mountford, serving as the Business Manager for Craft & Confectionery at AB Mauri. Today, I'm rising early to embark on a three-hour voyage to visit a major cake manufacturer.

While they're not yet a customer, there's real potential on the horizon if I've managed to uncover the perfect solution. I've been engaging with this client for over a year now but last week, out of the blue, I got a call regarding a future supply contract for a Brownie Mix. The challenge? Crafting a mix that not only excels in quality but aligns with their client's specifications and pricing expectations - and crucially - seamlessly integrates into their bakery operations and equipment.

Prior to setting out on my trip, meticulous preparation was the key to making it a successful visit:

• Defining the specification

• Detailing handling guidelines

• Crafting the recipe

• Determining the cost per kilogram

• Fulfilling a sample request

• Coordinating sample collection

I arrive promptly just before 10am, and I'm warmly greeted by the Supply Chain manager. I present a 10kg sample of the Brownie Mix, and this bit of face-time offers the chance to discuss additional projects and engage with other team members. 

My next stop leads me to the New Product Development (NPD) team, who are brimming with inquiries about the intricacies of the Brownie Mix. We delve into bake times, optimal temperatures, equipment compatibility, and the handling process.

Proudly showcasing their bakery facilities, the customer extends an invitation for a tour through their manufacturing site, which I eagerly accept while the NPD team whips up batches of brownies.

An hour later finds me back in the NPD kitchen, analysing the baked brownies’ outcomes, where I record comments, suggestions, and potential tweaks.

In a positive turn, the NPD team agrees that the brownies are indeed fit to present to their clients - great news! After a brief update with the Supply Chain Manager, I begin my three-hour journey back home. Along the way, I make a pit-stop for lunch… and the chance to perhaps indulge in one of the flow-wrapped brownies thoughtfully provided for my travels…