City stores make 30% more cakes to meet Xmas demand

GURGAON: Preparations to celebrate Christmas are on in full swing. From decorated trees to candles, exchanging gifts to cake cutting, the city looks all geared up for one of the most loved festivals across the world. Not only Christians but also people belonging to other communities are high on the yuletide spirit.
The city’s bakers are also not behind, with many adding a new range of hampers of cakes and cookies.Plum cakes, puddings, rum and raisin cakes, rich dried fruit cakes are high in demand this season.
‘Kitchenette’, Naushi Singh’s kitchen in DLF Phase I, has 48 varieties of cake and new varieties are also being introduced this festive season. “We have got bulk orders for the plum cakes and plum puddings from various MNCs and organizers of Christmas carnivals taking place in the city. Also, there is a huge demand for chocolates, dry fruits and walnut cakes. More people are opting for cakes without icing, called tea-time cakes, which are specially packed for gifting purpose,” said Singh.
Ginger bread, house cake and ginger bread cookies in the shape of stars and Christmas trees are also in high demand, apart from apple, yoghurt pies and doughnuts.
“The Christmas spirit has captured one and all in recent years. Orders have been already placed for special Christmas cakes and puddings. We have arranged for a variety of new cakes, cookies and gift items. Gift hampers consisting of plum pudding, ginger bread and Christmas cookies have also become popular,” said Rahul Rana, the executive chef of Galaxy Hotel in Sector 15.
The city’s confectionery and bakery stores have prepared 30% more cakes than usual in order to meet the growing demand. Plum and chocolate cakes are priced between Rs 300 and Rs 700 per kg depending on the variety. The prices also vary depending on the ingredients used. The bakeries also have a variety of other items such as pies, cookies and tarts,” said Malvika Chandiramani, owner of a popular café.