Our Rouen laboratory is expanding its baking science capabilities with a new range of breadmaking tests tailored to global baking traditions. This innovative program evaluates flour performance using scientific protocols adapted to the traditional practices and cultural expectations of different regions around the world.
By combining scientific rigor with real-world baking conditions, we help stakeholders across the wheat, flour and bread value chain gain deeper insight into flour behavior and develop products that meet both local preferences and international market demands.
Iconic breads from baking traditions worldwide
The program includes a diverse selection of traditional breads, each representing distinct cultural and technological approaches to baking:
- Baladi (Egypt): a rustic flatbread baked at high temperature and widely consumed across the Middle East
- Mantou (China): a soft, steamed bun that is a staple of northern Chinese cuisine
- Ciabatta (Italy): an Italian bread with an open crumb and thin crust, ideal for sandwiches
- Sandwich bread (France): a soft, uniform bread commonly used in both industrial and home baking
- Naan (India, Pakistan): a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven
- Pita (Greece, Middle East): a round, flexible bread known for its interior pocket
- Msemen and Mathlouh (Maghreb): traditional flatbreads from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, valued for their rich textures and distinctive flavors
Testing flours through these culturally specific recipes allows us to assess performance under realistic conditions and gain a comprehensive understanding of their technological behavior.
A scientific methodology adapted to each baking culture
Each breadmaking test follows a rigorous and standardized methodology covering:
- Formulation
- Mixing
- Fermentation
- Baking
- Detailed scoring out of 300 points
We characterize each flour according to its intended local use, taking into account traditional production techniques, desired textures and specific sensory expectations. This comparative, multicultural approach enables us to deliver precise, reliable and comparable data on baking quality and technological performance, regardless of flour origin.
Supporting innovation and quality worldwide
With this new offering, we strengthen our ability to support producers, millers, manufacturers and bakers throughout the wheat–flour–bread value chain in their product innovation and quality optimization initiatives.
By reproducing real breadmaking conditions specific to each market, our Rouen laboratory helps businesses anticipate flour performance, refine formulations and develop products aligned with evolving consumer preferences and international trends.
Rouen as a center of excellence for international breadmaking tests
This initiative further reinforces our Rouen laboratory’s role as a center of excellence within our global network. It demonstrates our ability to adapt baking science to diverse cultural and technical contexts while ensuring the consistency, reliability and relevance of results worldwide.
Through this new service, we continue to provide tailored expertise that supports the development of safe, high-performance and sustainable food products.
For further information, please contact:
Stéphane Logassi
Lab Director
Health & Nutrition
t: +33141069585
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
