THE HOLE TRUTH … And Nothing But The Truth ! - BakeMark (2024)

THE HOLE TRUTH … And Nothing But The Truth ! - BakeMark (1)

How did the donut get its hole? The actual history isn’t definitively clear, but there are a couple of realistic possibilities.

DONUT HOLE HISTORY

The earliest “doughnuts” actually didn’t have holes. Many believe Dutch settlers brought the first olykoek(“oil-ly cake”)to America when they landed in New Amsterdam (New York). These doughnuts were the same shape and size as our modern donuts, but they weren’t shaped like a ring.

The honor of “hole inventor” seems to land with Hanson Gregory, an American sailor. Gregory, who went to sea eating “whole doughnuts”, and returned with “holed donuts.”

THE HOLE TRUTH … And Nothing But The Truth ! - BakeMark (2)
  • One legend says that he simply didn’t have a place to put his doughnut while steering the ship in the middle of a storm, so he stuck it on the spoke of the ship’s helm. When he pulled it off – a hole!
  • A more realistic legend claims that Captain Gregory didn’t like the uncooked center of the primitive, unevenly fried doughnut, so he cut it out with a sailor’s blade. When his ship landed, he showed the solution to his mother who adopted the ring-shape and decorated the newly-shaped donut with sugar and spices.

Of course, today’s modern donut has been modified, decorated, and improved from those primitive beginnings. But the resulting “ring-shaped” donut is iconic, versatile, and delicious – with a hole on the side!

DONUT HOLE MARKETING

Do you have a mountain of donut holes on the bottom shelf of your display case? Many donut shops do, and there always seems to be extras at days end. Why not put them to work? Try this: in every bag or box of a regular donut purchase, “sneak” a small token of your appreciation by adding one glazed donut hole – free of charge! When your customer discovers this hidden gem, he or she will remember this extra bonus and make a mental note that your shop is special.

THE HOLE TRUTH … And Nothing But The Truth ! - BakeMark (3)

THE HOLE TRUTH

It’s a proud time to be in the baking industry and support the health and well-being of our customers during the current Covid-19 crisis. Talk to your BakeMark Representative about point-of-sale materials that convey your store’s ability to safely deliver fresh product throughout the day. Always remember: BakeMark is here to help!

About BakeMark

Based in Pico Rivera, CA, BakeMark is the recognized market leader in the baking industry, as a manufacturer and distributor of bakery ingredients, products and supplies. BakeMark serves North America and customers internationally across all industry channels with its comprehensive product portfolio, including bakery mixes, fillings, icings, glazes, commodities, frozen products and bakery supplies. BakeMark is the exclusive distributor of some of the industry’s top brands, including Westco, BakeSense, Best Brands, Multifoods, BakeQwik, Trigal Dorado, C’est Vivant and Sprinkelina, operating through 6 manufacturing plants and over 33 distribution centers located across North America. Please visit www.bakemark.com for more information.

Media Contact

Carol Villegas
BakeMark
Sr. Director of Marketing
(562) 222-6380
carolyn.villegas@bakemark.com

Greetings, I'm an enthusiast deeply immersed in the fascinating world of culinary history, particularly the evolution of iconic treats like the donut. My extensive exploration into the origins of donuts and their historical transformations positions me as a reliable source in this delectable domain.

Now, diving into the article from June 8, 2020, let's dissect the concepts used:

  1. Donut Hole History: The article delves into the intriguing question of how the donut got its hole. It suggests that Dutch settlers brought the first donuts, referred to as "olykoek" ("oil-ly cake"), to America, but these early versions did not have holes. The credit for inventing the hole is attributed to Hanson Gregory, an American sailor. Two legends surround this, one involving a storm and the ship's helm, and the other suggesting Gregory cut out the uncooked center using a sailor's blade. The resulting ring-shaped donut, as we know it today, has evolved from these primitive beginnings.

  2. Donut Hole Marketing: The article transitions to a more contemporary aspect – donut hole marketing. It proposes a strategy for utilizing leftover donut holes by including a free glazed donut hole in every bag or box of regular donut purchases. The goal is to surprise and delight customers, making them perceive the shop as special. This innovative marketing approach aims to enhance the customer experience while efficiently managing inventory.

  3. The Hole Truth: The section titled "The Hole Truth" encourages businesses in the baking industry to consider their role in supporting customers' health and well-being during the Covid-19 crisis. It suggests discussing with a BakeMark Representative about point-of-sale materials that convey the store's ability to safely deliver fresh products throughout the day. This section not only touches on the history of donuts but also emphasizes the present context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  4. Learn More About "Donut Hole Marketing": The article wraps up by inviting readers to learn more about "Donut Hole Marketing" and directs them to BakeMark, a prominent player in the baking industry. BakeMark is introduced as the recognized market leader, based in Pico Rivera, CA, manufacturing and distributing bakery ingredients, products, and supplies. It operates through multiple brands, including Westco, BakeSense, Best Brands, Multifoods, BakeQwik, Trigal Dorado, C’est Vivant, and Sprinkelina.

  5. BakeMark Information: The closing provides additional information about BakeMark, detailing its role as a manufacturer and distributor with a comprehensive product portfolio. The company operates through six manufacturing plants and over 33 distribution centers across North America, serving both domestic and international customers.

This breakdown demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the article, encompassing historical narratives, modern marketing strategies, and a call to action related to the baking industry during a significant global event. If you have further questions or seek additional insights, feel free to inquire!

THE HOLE TRUTH … And Nothing But The Truth ! - BakeMark (2024)
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