From a baking station to a full-fledged bakery and pastry shop

Share this article

After more than ten years of operating a baking terminal in Angers, our client at the bakery “Le Moulin des K’pucins” has taken a decisive step: transitioning from a baking terminal to an artisanal bakery and pastry shop.
This ambitious project, led by a determined entrepreneur, was made possible thanks to the hands-on support provided by the teams at Grands Moulins de Paris.

Photo collage of the Moulin des K'pucins bakery

A dream, made possible at just the right moment

Behind this transformation lies a whole personal story.

It was my dream as a teenager to own a bakery

The cooking station had enabled her to start her own business—even though she didn’t have any prior experience in the field—by combining a snack bar with frozen foods. But she still wanted to take things further.

The opportunity arose when her son-in-law, a baker by trade, decided to join her in the venture. In a rapidly developing student neighborhood, there was a gap in the market: a neighborhood bakery.

Photo of the Moulins des K'pucins bakery team

Tailored support from the very beginning

At the time, as a GMP client in the snack food sector, she regularly discussed her questions and needs with her sales representative, Mathieu.
Gradually, the project took shape. Alongside strong banking support, GMP’s guidance became a cornerstone of the project:
– Selection of flours,
– Consideration of equipment,
– Alignment between purchase and selling prices,
– Product positioning tailored to a student neighborhood.

I felt that there were people around me who could support me in making my teenage dream come true.

Rebrand, attract customers

Once production begins, another challenge arises: letting people know that the bakery has changed.

The transition took place in early August. The rollout is gradual, as we need to help customers understand that the offering has changed. We’re moving forward in small steps.

To this end, several initiatives were launched with the help of GMP’s sales teams to communicate this change:
– Creation of flyers to announce the transformation,
– Introduction of introductory offers (free bread, buy 3 get 1 free on baguettes),
– In-store events featuring tastings of festive breads (fig-cranberry, chestnut, rye pie, gingerbread),
– Participation in sales promotions during peak periods

These initiatives have a simple goal: to rebuild connections, offer tastings, and allow customers to rediscover their neighborhood bakery!

A trusted partner in everyday life, offering much more than just flour

Even today, its website remains an essential resource.
– Price management,
– Commodity comparison,
– Connecting with partners, including on topics such as energy.

It helps me stay within my budget. It's a huge help.

A message for those who are still on the fence

You don’t just go from 0 to 300 baguettes a day. The most important thing is to find a good team: your miller, your banker, your staff

This success embodies what defines Grands Moulins de Paris: standing by artisans, helping them grow, and bringing their projects to life.

And for further reading…

Does this project sound like a good fit for you? Are you planning to start a new business or take over an existing one?
Feel free to contact our financing and transaction teams to guide you through the process and help secure your business startup plans at 0809 100 750

👉 Learn more about our Transactions & Financing service 

 

Share this article

You might be interested in these articles