Innovation, Research, and Development
FRESH THINKING
Where the Dough Meets Science
Gonnella’s Innovation, Research and Development hub is where centuries-old baking craft meets modern science. Here, in facilities equipped with ovens, proof boxes, mixers, and test kitchens that mirror your in-store environment, we don’t just bake—we collaborate, experiment, and perfect.
Together with bakers, chefs, food scientists, quality experts, and even our customers, we bring ideas to life—whether it’s a vegan brioche that tastes indulgent, optimized shelf-life formats, or entirely new formulations born from market insights. When quality is non-negotiable, and innovation is essential, this is where your next standout product starts.
HOW IT WORKS
From Concept to Consumer
Bringing a bakery product to life takes more than a recipe—it takes a partner who understands every step of the process. At Gonnella, we combine time-tested expertise with cutting-edge capabilities to help brands develop, produce, and launch baked goods that perform across channels and deliver at scale. Whether you’re customizing an existing formula or starting from scratch, our collaborative process ensures you get exactly what you need—without compromise.
DISCOVERY & COLLABORATION
You bring the vision; we bring nearly 140 years of baking insight. Together, we define your goals, target specs, and market needs.
CUSTOMIZATION & DEVELOPMENT
Our R&D team crafts formulas, formats, and packaging options. We test and refine everything to perform flawlessly in your real-world environment.
EXECUTION &
SUPPORT
Leveraging BRCGS-certified facilities and quality controls, we scale production efficiently and safely—bringing your innovation from lab to line to market.
BUILT TO BAKE YOUR WAY
Three Ways to Partner
R&D-Fueled Custom Solutions
From formulating unique dough blends to optimizing performance for specific baking environments, our R&D team works side-by-side with you to craft custom bakery products. Thanks to our on-site research center—complete with ovens, mixers, proof boxes, and test kitchens—we simulate real-world conditions for flawless execution and innovation.
CONCEPT Co-DEVELOPMENT
Have an idea that deserves to rise? Want a fresh concept that connects with customers? Bring us your big idea or challenge, and we’ll turn it into a prototype. From early-stage ideation to sensory testing, formulation tweaks to packaging experiments, this path is for forward-thinkers ready to break the mold together.
INNOVATIVE BAKING CONCEPTS
Looking to improve efficiency or ensure consistency at scale? Using our R&D lab and advanced production facilities, we test and optimize handling specs, thawing or baking workflows, and packaging. This collaborative troubleshooting helps deliver smoother launches and superior performance—from test kitchen to national distribution.
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