EQUII, a foodtech company that specializes in complete protein bakery products, has announced a partnership with Bridor, a leading producer of high-quality bakery products and a subsidiary of the French restaurant group Groupe Le Duff. The partnership will enable EQUII and Bridor to combine their expertise and technology to create the next generation of artisanal bakery products with higher protein and improved nutrition for the North American market.
The partnership will involve Bridor using EQUII’s proprietary Complete Protein Blend, which is a plant-based baking mix that contains all nine essential amino acids and provides 10 grams of protein per serving. Bridor will develop and bake a range of products using EQUII’s blend, such as artisanal dinner rolls, ciabatta sandwich carriers, and bread loaves, and distribute them to its wide network of foodservice industry clients across North America. The products will be available starting from Spring 2024.
The partnership aims to cater to the changing consumer preferences and dietary trends, which are shifting towards more health-conscious and sustainable food choices. The partnership also aims to revolutionize the artisanal bakery category, which has traditionally been associated with high-carbohydrate and low-protein products, by offering more balanced and nutritious options.
Who are EQUII and Bridor?
EQUII is a foodtech company that was founded in 2020 by Baljit Ghotra and Sebastien Bhatia, two entrepreneurs with backgrounds in biotechnology and food science. EQUII’s mission is to transform the nutritional value of bread and other baked goods, by using cutting-edge fermentation technology and plant-based ingredients to create complete protein products. EQUII’s products include sliced breads, baking mixes, and ready-to-eat snacks, which are sold online and through foodservice and retail channels. EQUII’s products are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher certified.
Bridor is a bakery company that was founded in 1988 by Louis Le Duff, the founder and president of Groupe Le Duff, a global restaurant group that owns brands such as Brioche Dorée, La Madeleine, and Mimi’s Cafe. Bridor produces a variety of breads, pastries, and cakes, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. Bridor operates 18 production sites and employs 19,000 people worldwide. Bridor supplies its products to tens of thousands of foodservice industry clients across North America, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, airports, and cruise lines, as well as to retail and in-store bakeries.
What are the benefits and challenges of the partnership?
The partnership is expected to bring several benefits for both EQUII and Bridor, such as:
- For EQUII, the partnership will provide access to Bridor’s state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and extensive distribution network, which will enable it to scale up its production and reach more customers and markets. The partnership will also enhance EQUII’s brand awareness and credibility, as it will leverage Bridor’s reputation and experience in the bakery industry.
- For Bridor, the partnership will add new products, capabilities, and technologies to its portfolio, which will enable it to offer more innovative and differentiated products to its customers and consumers. The partnership will also strengthen Bridor’s competitive edge and market position, as it will tap into the growing demand for healthier and more transparent food options.
The partnership also poses some challenges for both parties, such as:
- For EQUII, the partnership will require it to maintain the quality and consistency of its products and ingredients, and to comply with the standards and regulations of the bakery industry. The partnership will also require EQUII to manage the potential operational, financial, and cultural risks involved in collaborating with a large and established company.
- For Bridor, the partnership will require it to adapt its production processes and equipment to accommodate EQUII’s products and ingredients, and to ensure their safety and traceability. The partnership will also require Bridor to educate and train its staff and customers on the benefits and features of EQUII’s products, and to address any issues or concerns that may arise.