MASSY Stores employees from the Deli department were welcomed into Caribbean Grains Flour Mill’s Training Facility last Friday 12th October. The team which comprised staff members from the La Tourney and New Dock supermarkets, were exposed to the cutting-edge facility within the Flour Mill compound, and received hands on training spearheaded by renowned Baker, Chef Ali Medjahed. The purpose of the visit was to sensitise the employees on the various flour varieties produced at the Mill in Vieux Fort and impart useful techniques in baking.
Caribbean Grains Saint Lucia, a manufacturer of flour and feed in the Caribbean, has been in operation in Saint Lucia for the past four years providing 50lbs flour to the market, with the anticipated release of the 1kg flour packets. Since it has opened its doors, the company has worked with numerous local bakeries, restaurants, hotels, schools and even households, in an effort to share the new age baking techniques using its flour. The company produces a wide variety of flour including White Wheat, and Whole Wheat, and a broad portfolio of specialty flour including a donut mix, Rye, European White, Multigrain, Campagne, Brioche, Genoise and Pasta flour.
During the interactive day workshop with the Massy Stores staff, Chef Ali introduced the various types of flour produced, while demonstrating new ways of creating fresh baked goods with fewer ingredients. He dispelled the notion of gluten free products and tasked the participants with employing the techniques learned during the session, in their everyday activities.
According the Chef Ali, a culinary veteran with nearly four decades of experience, ‘Baking is my passion, as such, it was truly an honour to work with such a diversely skilled and energised group from the Deli department at Massy Stores.’
He added, ‘We aim to not only showcase the multitude of uses of the Caribbean Grains Saint Lucia flour, but earnestly seek to teach new baking techniques in the hope of inspiring the budding bakers of the next generation through such engagements, as the industry develops.’
Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Decosta Pierre reaffirmed the company’s commitment in developing the industry and closed by adding, ‘We welcome the partnerships with more local entities to strengthen our support systems already in place for the industry, and with the introduction of the 1kg flour for retail, we hope to reach a wider audience who can take Caribbean Grains Saint Lucia flour home, and experience a quality product anytime.’
The Massy Stores staff, reflecting on the culinary experience derived from the sessions at Caribbean Grains Saint Lucia noted how informative and innovative the techniques were, especially through the extraordinary results achieved in the texture, look and taste of baked products made during the session. The company plans to continue working with the other groups, schools and industry partners to deliver training and convey information on the pioneering techniques which can be easily adopted in Saint Lucia.
For more information on training opportunities and other industry related content, follow us on facebook and instagram @CaribbeanGrains or contact a representative for more information on 454-5570 or email [email protected]