Lantmännen Unibake’s Schulstad Bakery Solutions brand has launched its Signature Fruit Danish Selection, a new range of decadent Danish pastries with visible fruit pieces on display – a sign of quality coveted by 69% of consumers[1].

 

It brings an on-trend, affordable, artisan, sweet bakery opportunity to support out of home (OOH) operators in maximising their revenue potential, by exploring the opportunity provided by exceptional baked goods.

 

Featuring three high-quality recipes, this Danish pastry range is set to attract new consumers into the category by tapping into trends seen across artisan bakeries for dessert-inspired nostalgic flavours, and sweet pastries that feature visible fruit pieces. In fact, 97% of consumers would buy a Signature Fruit Danish Selection pastry in an OOH setting[2], bringing fresh appeal to any café or coffee shop bakery offering. In addition, research shows that 91% of consumers would purchase a high quality, luxury Danish pastry as a dessert in a pub or restaurant[3], showing the significant demand for Danish pastries on menus.

 

These Danish pastries are filled with a quality that founder Viggo Schulstad would be proud of over 140 years later. Featuring a unique square shape authentically made with 24 layers of light, crisp and flaky Danish pastry, each pastry is dual filled, including a fruit compote featuring visible pieces of fruit to give a more artisan bakery look. The flavour combinations are inspired by the latest artisan bakery and dessert trends.

 

The brand-new Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell is a Danish Pastry square filled with Morello Cherry and Almond frangipane, topped with crisp, toasted almonds and a drizzle of icing for a sweet finish. Equally delicious is the Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square. Filled with pieces of apple in a cinnamon-infused crème anglaise and topped with a caramelised biscuit crumb, it gives a modern twist to the well-loved apple pie flavour. The fruity trio is completed by a Rhubarb Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue. A Danish pastry square filled with pieces of tart rhubarb in a Madagascan vanilla custard, topped with sweet crunchy pieces of meringue for a melt-in-the-mouth finish.

 

The decadent new range continues Schulstad Bakery Solutions’ spirit of innovation and has been developed to help OOH operators drive revenue and increase penetration. It capitalises on the 69% of consumers that would be more likely to buy a Danish pastry with visible fruit pieces thanks to the visual appeal (46%), flavour (32%) and enhanced quality (25%) that the visible fruit pieces provide[4]. The Signature Fruit Danish Selection also ticks the box for more than half of consumers (52%) tempted by retro flavours[5].

 

The coffee shop appeal

Research by Schulstad Bakery Solutions into consumer preferences reveals that 59% of consumers are most likely to reach for a premium Danish pastry in a coffee shop or café[6]. This highlights the opportunity for coffee shops and cafés to increase market share against bakeries where 64% of consumers opt to go premium[7].

 

When considering the new Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish Selection specifically, the research also shows that it would tempt 91% of consumers to trade up to more luxury products in a café or coffee shop[8]. This highlights the revenue opportunity created for operators by stocking this decadent trio of Danish pastries. In fact, almost half (49%) of consumers would be willing to pay £3.49 for a luxury Signature Fruit Danish Selection pastry in a coffee shop – £1.99 more than a standard supermarket price of £1.50. In addition, consumers are happy to pay £3.33 for a high-end Danish pastry compared to £2.72 for a classic counterpart^[9].

 

The opportunity for pubs, hotels and restaurants

97% of consumers would most likely trade up to a luxury Danish pastry OOH, and half of consumers (50%) would purchase a premium pastry as an indulgence or me-time treat in a restaurant or pub[10]. This highlights the opportunity for hospitality operators to increase revenue by harnessing a product traditionally served in other OOH settings.

Combining this with the finding that 91% of consumers would purchase a luxury Danish pastry as a dessert in a pub or restaurant, it is clear to see significant demand for a luxury Danish pastry on menus. What’s more, 77% of consumers would like a Danish pastry dessert to be served hot with ice cream (36%), custard (36%) or cream/whipped cream (30%)^[11]. In terms of price, consumers are willing to pay for quality too – £5.37 on average, for a high-end Danish pastry served as a dessert in a restaurant or pub[12].

 

Samantha Winsor, Marketing Manager at Schulstad Bakery Solutions, comments: “Our Signature Fruit Danish Selection range has been designed to drive customer demand and create a premium tiering within the pastry category, tempting consumers to trade up and choose a more decadent treat. The range aims to expand consumption occasions beyond morning sales when 43% of Danish pastries are purchased as breakfast, brunch or a morning treat[13]. The Signature Fruit Danish Selection is also likely to be purchased as an afternoon treat by 20% of consumers[14], giving it a place on the all-day menu.”

 

Almost a third (32%) of frequent Danish pastry purchasers are under 24, compared to 21% who are 45 plus[15]. This appetite among Gen Z consumers highlights an opportunity for OOH operators to attract a new, younger demographic and grow their potential customer base, especially when leveraging trends that appeal to younger consumers.

 

“The new Signature Fruit Danish Selection was designed to appeal to a younger demographic,” continues Winsor. “With a filling of visible fruit pieces, the quality of the new range is easy to see and features on-trend flavours to appeal to younger shoppers and ‘glow up’ the category.”

 

Operators can maximise the Signature Fruit Danish Selection’s revenue opportunity by pairing these Danish pastries with drinks. In cafés and coffee shops, almost all consumers (97%) buy a drink with their Danish pastry and for over a third (36%), it’s a weekly – if not, more frequent – combination purchase[16]. Sales promotions encourage this, 88% of consumers are tempted to buy a Danish pastry with a drink if the duo is offered in a promo deal.

 

The most popular drink to pair with the new Signature Fruit Danish Selection range is a Latte, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, or English breakfast tea[17]. To drive incremental sales, each recipe in the new range is best paired with…

 

Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square and a Latte

For a rich and smooth pairing, a Latte is the ultimate match for the Schulstad Bakery Solutions Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square. Decadent, mildly sweet and creamy, they work together to provide the perfect pairing.

 

Rhubarb, Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue Square and a Cappuccino

Opposites attract with this delicious duo. Contrasting the fruity yet sharp tartness of the rhubarb with the creamy coffee notes of the cappuccino. The new Rhubarb, Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue Square served with a smooth Cappuccino offers customers a full flavour experience.

 

 

Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell Square and a Hot Chocolate

For double indulgence, a sweet Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell Square with Hot Chocolate is a winning combination. The flaky pastry melts in the mouth when dipped in Hot Chocolate while the rich cherry provides zesty top notes.

 

The new Signature Fruit Danish Selection is available in a mixed case of 36 pastries (12 of each) and 110 cases per pallet. For more information, visit https://www.schulstadbakerysolutions.co.uk/insights/signature-fruit-danish-selection/

[1] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[2] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[3] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[4] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[5] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[6] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[7] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[8] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[9] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[10] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[11] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[12] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[13] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[14] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[15] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[16] Source: Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[17] Source: Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024