During the summer of 2021, Puratos USA welcomed 25 future bakers from all over the nation to the inaugural session of the virtual Quest for Sourdough Workshop
Pennsauken, NJ, September 30, 2021
According to a 2016 study by the American Baker’s Association and the American Society of Baking, the greatest challenge facing the baking industry is the lack of skilled workforce to fill available positions[1]–an issue significantly exacerbated with the impact of COVID-19.
As part of our commitment to the growth of the baking industry, Puratos is tackling this challenge by providing educational opportunities to today’s youth and creating interest among those who could be the bakers of tomorrow. The virtual Quest for Sourdough Workshop hosted by Puratos USA this summer was just one of these programs.
Inspired by #SourdoughDifference and the Quest for Sourdough, Puratos invited students nationwide ages 14 and up to—through the magic of virtual education—learn the science of sourdough, discover the various flavor profiles, bake with a sourdough starter, and explore the Puratos’ Sourdough Library in St. Vith, Belgium. Registered students also received a Sourdough Starter Kit to create their own sourdough and begin the Quest themselves!
Participant Larissa Wermers, engineering major at the University of Michigan, explains “I joined [the Quest for Sourdough Workshop] because I enjoy baking and heard that sourdough is a challenging but rewarding process. My favorite part was the session that focused on the different flavors of sourdough where we were able to closely observe and taste the varying profiles of different breads baked with sourdough.”
To learn more about Puratos’ commitments to the next generation of bakers, visit us online at https://www.puratos.us/en/about-puratos/our-commitments/next-generation.
[1] https://americanbakers.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/ABA_Workforce_Gap_Final_Report_061516.pdf
About Puratos
Puratos is an international group, which offers a full range of innovative products, raw materials and application expertise for artisans, industry, retailers and food service customers in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors. Our headquarters are located on the outskirts of Brussels (Belgium), where the company was founded in 1919. Today, our products and services are available in over 100 countries around the world. In many cases, they are produced locally by our subsidiaries. Above all, we aim to be ‘reliable partners in innovation’ across the globe to help our customers deliver nutritious, tasty food to their local communities.
