We met with Tara Flecknell, Digital Project Manager, and Alban Depierre, Technical Baking Advisor at Lesaffre, to discuss the company's new AI-powered baking assistant. Dr Bread, launched through the Lesaffre & Moi mobile app used by over 60,000 bakers globally, represents the ingredient supplier's entry into artificial intelligence support for craft bakers.

What Problems Does It Actually Solve?

Alban Depierre, Technical Baking Advisor

According to Depierre, Dr Bread addresses common production challenges that plague craft bakeries,

with response times of approximately five seconds. The system tackles frequent issues including insufficient bread volume, dry or pale crusts and various fermentation problems.

For volume issues, the AI assistant analyses factors such as kneading duration and intensity, dough temperature and fermentation parameters. When bakers describe crust problems, Dr Bread can identify whether the issue stems from insufficient fermentation or unsuitable baking temperatures, then recommend specific adjustments.

The effectiveness of solutions depends heavily on how precisely bakers describe their processes. Depierre notes

"The more precisely the baker is able to describe the different stages of their process, the more Dr. Bread will be able to provide them with customized and effective solutions,"

Detailed descriptions of ingredients, timing, and methods enable the system to provide more targeted recommendations.

How It Works

Tara Flecknell - Digital Project Manager

"This solution is based on Lesaffre's reliable and comprehensive database, as well as the in-depth industry expertise of the Group's Baking Center™ Network," explains Flecknell. "Thanks to this deep knowledge and Lesaffre's international experience, Dr Bread is able to provide consistent recommendations that are tailored to the local situation of each baker."

The effectiveness hinges on detail. Depierre went on to add

"The more precisely the baker is able to describe the different stages of their process, the more Dr. Bread will be able to provide them with customized and effective solutions,"

Unlike generic AI assistants, the system draws from decades of industry-specific knowledge accumulated through Lesaffre's international operations.

The Reality Check

"Dr Bread represents an essential first point of contact for bakers," explains Depierre.

"This AI assistant does not replace expert advice, but rather offers an immediate initial response. In case of operational issues, it allows for the rapid troubleshooting of bakers by giving them easy and instant access to concrete solutions."

Currently deployed in three countries including France, the service will expand to 27 additional markets across five languages. The tool aims to reduce downtime in craft bakeries, though its effectiveness depends on how precisely bakers describe their problems.

Bigger Picture

"Artificial intelligence is a key element of our group's digital transformation and innovation strategy, representing a major strategic lever," says Flecknell. "Its use enables improvements in performance across operational, commercial, and environmental aspects. It allows us to strengthen proximity with our clients and respond more relevantly to their challenges."

The development reflects how ingredient suppliers are expanding beyond traditional products into digital services. For craft bakers, it provides access to technical knowledge that might otherwise require expensive consultation, though questions remain about how well AI can replace the nuanced understanding that comes from years of hands-on experience.

Dr Bread represents one example of how AI is being applied to specific industry challenges, moving beyond generic chatbots to tackle the particular problems faced by craft bakers. Whether it proves genuinely useful in practice will depend on how well it handles the complex variables that experienced bakers know can make or break a loaf.