It's had quite significant growth over the last five years in particular, and I think that's driven by the fact that more people are cooking and entertaining at home. They want to share food experiences at home with friends and family - having some fresh croissants on a Sunday morning with the family, or using a par-baked bread when they're having a lunch.
Working at the heart of a business means it can be difficult to raise your head above the day-to-day tasks and look at the big picture. What's your experience of this?
It is a challenge and it's something we've worked really hard on improving in the last couple of years, so we can work on the business rather than just in it. We have a meeting once a week with senior staff, which is really important for getting us focused on what's immediately in front of us but also on the more strategic things we want to do.
We also recently had a planning session, which we want to do once a quarter, and then we have a meeting once a month to make sure we're on track with what we said we were going to do.
A business like this is really relentless, but it's really fun as well because there's something new happening every day - whether it's trying new products, or following up opportunities with customers, or changing your packaging. If you want to do the same thing every day it's probably not the right place for you, but if you want to try lots of yummy food all the time and think about creative ways of doing things then it's lots of fun.
What influence have role models, mentors or networks had on your development as a business person?
My most important role models are my parents for starting such an amazing, innovative business that's grown into something significant. And for bringing to New Zealand a taste of what my grandfather - who had a little pastry shop in France - used to do. What they've done really inspires me.
Also being part of the French community in a business sense - I'm on the board of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce - has helped me meet new people from all walks of life who have really opened my eyes. I joined the board as a way to support the community and give back, and it's also a good way for me to keep up my French.
And we also have a business advisor who helps us and we meet with her a couple of times a year.
What are the biggest lessons you've learnt from your time in business that you'd like to share with others?
Sometimes a problem can look really big, but if you break it down into more manageable steps it can suddenly not seem so big and becomes much more manageable to find a solution.
I also try to be prepared and have a plan, which helps me be more focused on the business rather than only working in it. That's something I've had to learn and keep disciplined about.
Lastly, I think building a network is important, and not being afraid to ask questions of those people about how you might tackle an issue you're facing. Often you'll find people will have had the same issue as you, and really appreciate being able to share their experiences.
