Peche cops award for SME Pivot

In this June 29, 2019 file photo, Peche Patisserie owner and chef Khalil Ali, left, and Peruvian chef Guillermo Russo prepare dishes for the Chefs Table, Chaguanas. -
In this June 29, 2019 file photo, Peche Patisserie owner and chef Khalil Ali, left, and Peruvian chef Guillermo Russo prepare dishes for the Chefs Table, Chaguanas. -

On November 20, the TT Chamber broadcast its virtual Champions of Business Awards – an annual event that recognises outstanding achievement in the sphere of business in the categories of Business Hall of Fame, Internationally Known…T&T Owned Company of the Year, Business Technology and Entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurship category, sponsored by Unit Trust, featured two awards: Emerging Entrepreneur and SME Pivot. With the 2020 theme of Redesign and Reimagine, the SME Pivot Award was introduced this year in the spirit of acknowledging the efforts, innovation and sheer determination shown by so many SMEs in TT in the face of covid19. This award was specifically created to applaud and celebrate the successes of those businesses which have turned the most difficult of times into opportunities; a business which has changed its model to ensure viability and sustainability during and after the covid19 pandemic.

One entrepreneur in particular stood out among the category’s nominees and became the first ever recipient of the SME Pivot Award – Khalil Ali of Peche Patisserie.

Peche made its mark in the restaurant and hospitality industry, offering original handcrafted pastries and other foods in a cosy café environment. However, with the economic contractions being experienced locally, this industry was experiencing difficulty even before the pandemic. A decision was taken to transform Peche into a commercial bakery and launch its food service line of condiments and sauces. To accomplish this, they closed the restaurant in January 2020. “We thought at that time the restaurant closure would be temporary,” said Ali.

Any hopes of re-opening soon were dashed in the following weeks as covid19 reached Trinidad. Peche sought to weather the storm by being true to its mission: to consistently be inspired to create a variety of the best products possible, continually developing new products, and devising innovative ways of reaching and satisfying our customers.

Ali elaborated, “With the initial lockdown, we decided to accelerate the transition of Peche to a model whereby our customers can still enjoy our creations, by implementing various other methods of accommodating their needs. Recently, we began marketing our line of sauces and condiments to complement a wide range of foods.”

Their products are all hand crafted; artisan bread, family style meals, gourmet sauces, pastries among others, are available for in-store and online sales. Their bottled products bear the name Peche and their sourdough is sold under the name Real Bread. Their products are easily accessible throughout the country and may be found at over 30 retailers such as PriceSmart and Malabar Meats. Additionally products can be purchased via their website www.pechepatisserie.com (which is currently being upgraded). And to serve their loyal customer base who loved to dine in-house they implemented direct sales for curbside or delivery which can be conducted via the website or pechepatisserie.com.

Ali noted that despite the downturn and the pandemic, “We altered our business model from a dine-in restaurant to a commercial grade facility offering directly to retailers as well as our existing customer base. Additionally, we repurposed our assets during the initial lock down to continue to generate revenue to ensure sustainability.” They also have maintained their practice of donating bread to various homes for children and the convalescent.

Their varied marketing strategy, includes in-store activations at retailers, where there are well branded booths and signage, as well as online marketing through media posts, stories and boosting. Soon, they will be listed on Amazon and select Caricom markets.

In accepting the award, Ali stated, “I would also like to express gratitude to my father for unconditional support and Tahira (Rahaman) for her intense involvement in the further development of the Peche and Real Bread brands.

The chamber congratulates Khalil Ali of Peche upon receiving the SME Pivot.

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"Peche cops award for SME Pivot"

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