The Knight in Shining Apron: A Review of King Arthur Baking’s Offerings

King Arthur Baking Company, formerly known as King Arthur Flour, is an American supplier of flour, baking mixes, cookbooks, and kitchen tools. The company has been in operation since 1790, making it one of the oldest companies in the United States.

Who founded King Arthur Baking?

King Arthur Baking Company, formerly known as King Arthur Flour, was founded in 1790. The original founders of the company were Henry Wood and Sands, Taylor & Wood Co. Henry Wood began importing European flour to the United States in 1790, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the King Arthur Flour Company.

The name “King Arthur” was adopted by the company in the late 19th century, around 1896, when the Sands, Taylor & Wood Company wanted a name that would evoke purity, loyalty, and reliability. Drawing on the legendary King Arthur, they renamed their flagship flour after him.

Over the centuries, ownership and management of the company changed hands, but its commitment to quality products and its rich heritage have remained constant.

What does King Arthur Baking sell?

King Arthur Baking Company offers a wide range of products for both home and professional bakers. Here’s a general overview of what King Arthur Baking sells:

1. Flours: This is perhaps what they’re most famous for. They offer various types of flours, including:
   • All-Purpose Flour
   • Bread Flour
   • Whole Wheat Flour
   • Self-Rising Flour
   • Gluten-Free Flours
   • Specialty Flours (like pastry flour, white whole wheat flour, and ancient grain flours)
2. Baking Mixes: For those who want a quicker or more convenient option, they provide mixes for:
   • Pancakes and waffles
   • Brownies
   • Cookies
   • Muffins and scones
   • Bread and rolls
   • Cakes and cupcakes
3. Ingredients: Beyond flour, they offer other essential and specialty baking ingredients, such as:
   • Sugars and sweeteners
   • Yeast and sourdough starters
   • Baking powders and sodas
   • Salts
   • Flavor extracts and oils
   • Cocoa and chocolate
   • Fruits and nuts
   • Fillings and flavorings
4. Baking Tools and Equipment:
   • Baking pans and dishes
   • Measuring tools
   • Mixing and prep tools
   • Baking utensils (like spatulas, whisks, etc.)
   • Sourdough and bread baking tools (like bannetons, lame, etc.)
5. Bakeware and Kitchenware: This includes items like:
   • Oven mitts and pot holders
   • Mixing bowls
   • Sifters and strainers
   • Storage containers
6. Books and Magazines: They offer cookbooks, instructional books, and their own magazine to provide recipes, techniques, and inspiration to bakers.
7. Classes: King Arthur Baking Company has been known to offer baking classes, tutorials, and workshops (both in-person at their location in Vermont and online) covering a range of topics from basic bread baking to more advanced techniques.
8. Gifts and Merchandise: This includes branded apparel, gift cards, and curated gift sets for bakers.

What type of classes does King Arthur Baking offer?

King Arthur Baking Company is known for its commitment to baking education, and they offer a variety of classes to cater to bakers of all skill levels. Here are some general categories and examples of classes they have offered:

1. Bread Baking:
   • Basic bread techniques
   • Sourdough baking
   • Artisan breads
   • Baguettes, brioche, and other specialty breads
2. Pastries & Confections:
   • Croissants and laminated doughs
   • Pies and tarts
   • Eclairs, cream puffs, and choux pastries
   • Candies and chocolates
3. Cakes & Decorating:
   • Basic cake baking
   • Advanced cake decorating techniques
   • Special occasion cakes
   • Cupcakes and mini cakes
4. Cookies, Brownies, & Bars:
   • Classic cookie baking
   • Decorative and seasonal cookies
   • Techniques for perfect brownies and bars
5. Gluten-Free & Special Diets:
   • Gluten-free bread and pastries
   • Dairy-free, egg-free, and other allergy-friendly recipes
   • Techniques for adapting traditional recipes to gluten-free versions
6. Pizza & Savory Baking:
   • Handmade pizzas and flatbreads
   • Savory pies and tarts
   • Quick breads and biscuits
7. Kids & Family Classes:
   • Basic recipes and techniques suitable for younger bakers
   • Fun family-friendly projects
8. Special Topics:
   • Seasonal and holiday-themed classes
   • International and ethnic baked goods (e.g., Italian, French, or Scandinavian specialties)
   • Baking with ancient grains or alternative flours
9. Virtual Classes: Given the rise of online learning and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, King Arthur Baking Company has also offered virtual classes to reach a wider audience and provide flexibility in learning.

What are the key milestones in the company’s history?

King Arthur Baking Company, formerly known as King Arthur Flour, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. Here are some key milestones in the company’s history:

1. 1790: The company’s roots trace back to this year when Henry Wood began importing European flour to the U.S. in Boston, effectively laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the King Arthur Flour Company.
2. 1896: The Sands, Taylor & Wood Company, which had become the successor to Henry Wood’s business, adopted the name “King Arthur Flour” for its flagship product. The name was chosen to evoke purity, loyalty, and reliability, inspired by the legendary King Arthur.
3. 1984: Frank and Brinna Sands, descendants of one of the company’s original families, buy out the other remaining family members, taking control of the company. They begin transforming it into a nationally recognized brand.
4. 1990: The company opens its Baker’s Store in Norwich, Vermont, offering baking tools, ingredients, and kitchenware.
5. 1996: King Arthur Flour launches its website, which would become a significant resource for bakers worldwide, offering recipes, advice, and online shopping.
6. 2000s:
   • The company’s focus on education deepens with the opening of its Baking Education Center in 2000.
   • King Arthur Flour transitions to a 100% employee-owned company in 2004, enhancing its commitment to its workers and community.
7. 2016: The company makes a commitment that all its flours will be sourced from non-GMO wheat.
8. 2020: To better reflect its broader commitment to the world of baking beyond just flour, King Arthur Flour rebrands itself as the “King Arthur Baking Company”.
9. Sustainability & Ethical Practices: Over the years, King Arthur Baking has taken steps towards sustainability, including a commitment to sourcing identity-preserved wheat and supporting family farms. They have also been recognized as a B Corporation for their dedication to social and environmental standards.

This list captures some of the significant moments in King Arthur Baking’s long history, but there are undoubtedly many more achievements, challenges, and stories that have shaped the company over the years. The company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain its commitment to quality has made it a respected name in the baking industry.

What sustainability practices does King Arthur Baking Company implement in its sourcing and production?

King Arthur Baking Company has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability in various ways, aligning with its broader mission to be a responsible and ethical business. Here are some of the sustainability practices and initiatives associated with the company:

2. Non-GMO Commitment: King Arthur Baking Company has made a commitment that all its flours are sourced from non-GMO wheat. This shows the company’s dedication to natural ingredients and traditional farming practices.
3. Identity-Preserved Wheat: The company sources some of its wheat through identity-preserved supply chains. This means that the wheat can be traced back to the specific fields where it was grown, allowing for more transparency and connection between farmers and consumers.
4. Support for Family Farms: King Arthur Baking Company has expressed support for family farms, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation.
5. B Corporation Certification: King Arthur Baking Company is a Certified B Corporation, which means they meet rigorous social and environmental standards. This certification covers a company’s impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment.
6. Recycling & Packaging: The company has shown an interest in reducing waste, which includes considerations about its packaging. While details might vary over time, businesses like King Arthur often explore packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or made from post-consumer recycled materials.
7. Energy Efficiency: The company’s facilities, including its Baker’s Store and Baking School in Norwich, Vermont, have incorporated energy-efficient features to reduce their carbon footprint.
8. Educational Outreach: Part of sustainability is educating consumers and the broader public. Through its classes, website resources, and community initiatives, King Arthur Baking Company has played a role in teaching sustainable baking practices and the importance of understanding where food comes from.
9. Community Engagement: Beyond environmental sustainability, King Arthur has a history of engaging with its community, supporting local initiatives, and fostering relationships that emphasize mutual growth and sustainability.

How does the company ensure ethical treatment of its suppliers and employees?

King Arthur Baking Company has a longstanding reputation for ethical behavior and commitment to its stakeholders, which includes suppliers, employees, and the broader community. Here are some of the ways the company has demonstrated this commitment:

1. Employee Ownership: In 2004, King Arthur Flour transitioned to being 100% employee-owned. This means employees have a direct stake in the company’s success. Employee ownership can lead to increased engagement, a greater sense of responsibility, and a more inclusive approach to decision-making.
2. B Corporation Certification: King Arthur Baking Company is a Certified B Corporation, indicating that they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification assesses a company’s impact on its workers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
3. Fair Compensation: The company’s commitment to its farmers and suppliers includes ensuring they receive fair compensation for their goods and services. By fostering direct and transparent relationships with suppliers, King Arthur can better ensure fair treatment and ethical practices.
4. Transparent Sourcing: By using identity-preserved wheat and having a traceable supply chain, King Arthur Baking Company shows a commitment to transparency in sourcing. This not only allows consumers to trace the origins of their food but also ensures that farmers and suppliers are recognized for their contributions.
5. Inclusive Work Environment: Many companies, including King Arthur, prioritize creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where employees are respected, valued, and given opportunities for growth and development.
6. Community Engagement: Ethical treatment extends beyond immediate business relations. King Arthur Baking Company has been involved in numerous community initiatives, educational outreach programs, and charitable donations, underscoring their broader commitment to ethical behavior.
7. Feedback Mechanisms: Ethical companies typically have mechanisms in place for employees and suppliers to voice concerns, provide feedback, or report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
8. Continuous Training: Ensuring that employees understand the company’s values, ethics, and expectations can be achieved through regular training, workshops, and communication.

What community outreach or charitable programs does King Arthur Baking participate in?

1. Life Skills Program: King Arthur Baking Company has been known for its “Bake for Good” initiative, which teaches children how to bake bread from scratch. The program encourages participants to bake two loaves — one to enjoy and one to donate to a local community organization, instilling both a valuable skill and a sense of community service.
2. Donation Programs: King Arthur has donated products and funds to various causes, especially those related to hunger relief. They’ve worked with organizations and initiatives that address food insecurity.
3. Disaster Relief: In times of need, King Arthur Baking Company has provided support for disaster relief, such as donating products or funds to areas affected by natural disasters.
4. Education & Baking Classes: Through its Baking School, King Arthur offers a range of classes, some of which are tailored to community groups, children, or those who might not otherwise have access to baking education.
5. Support for Local Communities: The company has shown support for local Vermont-based initiatives, given its roots in Norwich, Vermont. This includes sponsorships, donations, and participation in community events.
6. Employee Volunteering: King Arthur encourages its employees to engage in volunteer work, providing them with paid volunteer time to contribute to causes they care about.
7. Environmental Initiatives: Beyond direct community outreach, King Arthur’s commitment to sustainability and environmental practices indirectly supports communities by promoting a healthier planet and more sustainable food systems.
8. Partnerships with NGOs: King Arthur Baking Company has collaborated with non-profit organizations and initiatives that align with its mission and values, amplifying their impact through joint efforts.

What challenges has King Arthur Baking faced in recent years, and how have they overcome them?

King Arthur Baking Company, like many businesses, faced a number of challenges over the years. Some of these challenges and their responses include:

1. Surge in Demand During the COVID-19 Pandemic: As more people began baking at home during the lockdowns, King Arthur experienced an unprecedented surge in demand for their products, especially flour. This led to temporary shortages and increased pressures on their supply chain.
   • Response: King Arthur worked diligently to ramp up production, communicate transparently with customers about supply issues, and source ingredients to meet the heightened demand.
2. Transition to Digital: With the rise of e-commerce and online platforms, King Arthur needed to transition and strengthen its online presence.
   • Response: They revamped their website, offering a wealth of recipes, baking tips, and online shopping options. They also expanded their presence on social media platforms to engage with a younger audience and tap into new baking trends.
3. Rebranding: In 2020, to better encompass their broader range of baking products and commitment to the baking community, they transitioned from “King Arthur Flour” to “King Arthur Baking Company”.
   • Response: The rebranding was more than just a name change. It involved updating packaging, marketing strategies, and communicating the reason behind the change to their customer base.
4. Sustainability and Ethical Concerns: Modern consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and corporate responsibility.
   • Response: King Arthur has focused on sourcing identity-preserved wheat, ensuring all flours are sourced from non-GMO wheat, and becoming a B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to meet social and environmental standards.
5. Adapting Baking School and Workshops: Due to social distancing and health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person classes and workshops faced interruptions.
   • Response: King Arthur began offering virtual classes and workshops to adapt to the situation, ensuring that their educational mission could continue even in challenging circumstances.
6. Maintaining Quality: As demand increases and businesses scale up, maintaining product quality and consistency can be challenging.
   • Response: King Arthur has historically emphasized the quality and consistency of their products. They invest in quality control, engage with suppliers, and maintain rigorous standards to ensure their products meet the expectations of their customers.
7. Competition: The baking industry has many players, and staying ahead of competitors is always a challenge.
   • Response: By emphasizing their heritage, maintaining high-quality products, expanding their product line, and fostering a strong community of bakers, King Arthur has worked to distinguish itself in the market.

Are there loyalty programs or engagement initiatives for regular customers?

King Arthur Baking Company has had various engagement initiatives designed to foster a sense of community and to reward loyal customers. Some of their initiatives include:

1. Baker’s Rewards Program: This was a loyalty program where members could earn points for every purchase made, which could then be redeemed for future discounts. The program also provided members with exclusive deals and offers.
2. Newsletter Subscriptions: Customers could subscribe to King Arthur’s newsletters, which often included exclusive recipes, baking tips, and special offers.
3. Engagement on Social Media: King Arthur Baking Company is active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and more. They regularly host baking challenges, interactive Q&A sessions, and showcase customer creations, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
4. Online Baking Community: King Arthur Baking has a robust online community where bakers can share recipes, ask questions, and get advice. Their blog and online forums have been platforms for both novice and experienced bakers to engage, share, and learn.
5. Baking School and Classes: Offering a range of classes – from beginner to expert levels – not only educates customers but also fosters loyalty by providing a hands-on experience with the brand.
6. Feedback Channels: The company encourages customers to leave reviews, ask questions, and provide feedback on products directly on their website. This two-way interaction helps the company improve and also makes customers feel heard and valued.
7. Special Promotions: Periodically, King Arthur Baking Company runs special promotions, sales, and offers, rewarding regular customers with discounts and exclusive deals.

How does the company explore and incorporate global baking traditions and recipes into its offerings?

King Arthur Baking Company, with its commitment to the art and science of baking, has shown an interest in global baking traditions and recipes. Here’s how the company has historically explored and incorporated global influences:

1. Diverse Recipe Collection: On their website and in their publications, King Arthur Baking Company offers a wide range of recipes inspired by global cuisines. From Italian ciabatta to Middle Eastern pita to French croissants, they provide bakers the opportunity to explore the world of baking from their own kitchens.
2. Baking School Classes: King Arthur Baking School offers classes on a variety of baking techniques, including those rooted in different global traditions. These classes can cover specific regional breads, pastries, or techniques.
3. Ingredient Sourcing and Offerings: To allow bakers to authentically recreate global recipes, King Arthur Baking offers a range of specialty flours and ingredients. For instance, they might offer specific flours ideal for European-style bread or other niche baking needs.
4. Collaborations with Global Bakers: The company often collaborates with expert bakers, chefs, and cookbook authors from around the world. These experts can provide insights, recipes, and techniques from their specific cultural backgrounds, enriching King Arthur’s offerings.
5. Blogs and Articles: King Arthur’s blog often features articles and posts dedicated to exploring baking traditions from around the world. These articles can delve into the history, culture, and techniques behind specific baked goods.
6. Product Development: As global baking trends emerge, King Arthur Baking Company might introduce new products or mixes inspired by international baked goods. This allows customers to easily try out global recipes with the confidence that they’re getting a product backed by King Arthur’s reputation for quality.
7. Engagement with the Baking Community: Through their online forums, social media channels, and direct feedback mechanisms, King Arthur Baking Company actively engages with a diverse community of bakers. This community can provide insights, requests, and feedback about global baking trends and traditions.
8. Travel and Research: Members of the King Arthur Baking team, especially those involved in product development or education, might travel or conduct research to learn about global baking techniques, ingredients, and trends firsthand.