Facts on Bakery Case Manufacturers

Whether you operate a coffee shop, convenience store, bakery, or restaurant, a display case can help boost impulse buys. There are various bakery cases, from refrigerated floor cabinets to countertop models.

While dry items like bread, cookies, and bagels can be stored without refrigeration, cakes, pies, and other desserts should be kept cold to extend their selling window. 

Refrigerated vs. Non-Refrigerated

A dry bakery display case is an ideal option for businesses that primarily offer non-refrigerated products, like donuts and cookies. With crystal clear front glass and interior lighting, these display cases are perfect for merchandising baked goods. They can be found by top case manufacturers.

Refrigerated bakery cases use forced air systems to circulate cold air throughout the cabinet to keep food fresh. These cases are typically used for bakery products, prepackaged food items, and deli applications.

Refrigerated bakery displays are also available in curved or straight glass options. Curved cases offer a sleeker appearance that can help reduce glare and reflections, making it easier for customers to see the products on display. 

Convenience Store vs. Restaurant

For convenience stores, bakery cases present a unique opportunity to boost morning and evening food service sales. By showcasing best-selling items and effectively managing the case throughout the day, retailers can compete with other C-stores and larger competitors such as bakery-cafes.

Bakery display cases are available in either refrigerated or dry models. Refrigerated cases are ideal for merchandising more perishable food, such as mousse cakes, cheesecakes, fruit pies, or meringues.

Dry bakery cases can accommodate a more varied assortment of baked goods, from muffins and cupcakes to cookies and cakes. In addition to determining what type of case you need, you should consider the shelving style and materials. Shelving may be wire-framed or made of glass, acrylic, or other material. Straight and curved glass styles are available, with the latter providing a more contemporary look, though the former may be more apt based on your restaurant’s aesthetic.

Finally, it would be best if you took the time to build a robust production planning and scheduling system. Ensure that your teams have the necessary visibility to make critical decisions and minimize costly delays, shortages, or overages with an integrated bakery manufacturing software solution.

Countertop Cases vs. Deli Cases

Bakery and deli cases allow food service businesses to increase impulse sales by merchandising breads, prepackaged treats, and other items in a visually appealing way. These refrigerated display cabinets maintain low temperatures to keep products cold and safe for serving. They can be found at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafeterias.

These units have three service types: dual service cases provide front and rear access to merchandise, both to-go and protected foods simultaneously; full-service cases only provide rear access so employees can serve customers from behind the counter; and open-air self-service cases are great for hotels and cafeterias. Some deli cases come with glass or metal shelves and adjustable slanted or flat glass fronts that can be curved or straight for a custom look.

On the other hand, red meat cases use gravity coils instead of forced air to reduce moisture loss in the meat. They also have two humidity coils to pump moisture back into the meat as it is being displayed.

Glass vs. Acrylic

A bakery can use refrigerated glass display cases with a four-sided view to showcase daily offerings and allow customers to help themselves. They can also use non-refrigerated acrylic glass displays on countertops to keep cookies and other fast-moving items stocked right in front of customers.

Acrylic is more transparent and durable than glass, allowing customers to admire products from all sides. It’s also less expensive and safer than glass because it won’t shatter. It’s also easier to clean and disinfect since it doesn’t streak as easily as glass.

However, you want to create a more high-end and museum-like aesthetic. In that case, glass might be a better option for your bakery display cases. Glass offers a high-class look that instantly accentuates your memorabilia and is excellent for displaying autographed sports memorabilia. It also produces a soft light that can highlight the said item. Glass can obscure sights because it produces a reflective attribute, but acrylic doesn’t.