Pretzels Making Education and Training

Learning the ins and outs of gourmet pretzels

Healthy, wholesome snacks are great sellers at food stands and bakeries--and fitting the bill are pretzels, making education and training in pretzel making lucrative. Sure, pretzel manufacturers create wholesale pretzels that are tasty, but can anything compare to fresh, gourmet pretzels? To keep your customers coming back and back again, learn to make your own pretzel twists.

Whether you want to create a gourmet pretzel franchise or simply wish to serve up fresh pretzels for a small pretzel cart, take the time to do a little research:

1. Study what good pretzel makers are doing.

2. Consider obtaining soft pretzel training from a franchise.

3. Obtain pretzel snacks training from trade organizations.

 

Understand the basics of the pretzel business

One survey concluded that pretzels are a $570-million-a-year business in the United States. Over 300 million pounds of pretzels are made commercially each year, most by a fully automated process. However, as Americans have learned pretzels can be a healthy snack, more and more food businesses are seeking to make gourmet pretzels--sometimes by hand.
Try: For a great introduction to how pretzels are made, including what ingredients are essential and how pretzels are commercially formed, dipped, cooked and packaged, see Advameg. For a pictorial guide to commercial pretzel making, see Inter Snack.

Obtain full training for making soft pretzels

Soft pretzels are hot, both literally and figuratively. Chewy and delicious, gourmet soft pretzels can be the highlight of your food business. If you work with an established franchise, they will usually provide full training in the best pretzel making techniques. This is a valuable way to not only begin a business but to train yourself thoroughly for it.
Try: For full training in how to make fantastic soft pretzels, check out two of the most popular soft pretzel businesses: Pretzel Boy's and Aunt Anne's.

Benefit from pretzel company trade associations

Whether you're interested in soft or hard pretzels, trade organizations not only offer networking opportunities, but also training and education. For pretzel making, seek organizations focusing on gourmet or snack foods.
Try: The Snack Food Association not only keeps members up to date on the latest in snack foods (including pretzels), but they give you access to experts to answer your questions, seminars and manuals for pretzel making. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade periodically offers articles, seminars and educational programs with practical information about the pretzel business.

 

• Whether you join one or 100 trade organizations for hard or soft pretzel manufacturers, be sure you are fully versed in what they offer. Many associations offer not only training and ongoing education but also legal advice, marketing opportunities and more.

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