Born from a passion for authentic, high-quality, artisan bread, Atome Bakery offers customers both convenience and quality through a unique subscription service for frozen, ready-to-bake baguettes, brioches, croissants and more. Launched in Vancouver in 2022, the company is focused on becoming the leading provider of high-quality, ready-to-bake frozen bread and pastries across North America.

“We recognized a gap in the market that motivated us to create a product that doesn’t compromise on taste or health, so our customers can have bakery-quality goods right from their home oven, regardless of where they live,” says Alice Couderc, Co-Founder of Atome Bakery.

Alice and her partner Lucas learned of Export Navigator through the Trade Accelerator Program and knew it was exactly what they needed to support their expansion into the US. With the guidance of an Export Advisor, the couple learned how to get their products across the border and tap into the burgeoning demand for artisanal bread in the Pacific Northwest. Atome Bakery has hired two additional employees, growing their team to a staff of nine, and seen a 25% increase in sales, month-over-month, which they attribute directly to their U.S. expansion.

Rising to the Occasion

In early 2024, Alice and Lucas knew the next big step for Atome Bakery was exporting to the U.S., but they felt unsure about where to start and how to adhere to the overwhelming number of regulations. Joining the Export Navigator program, they were paired with Export Advisor, Tracey Pham who offered the guidance they were seeking.

“Tracey has been instrumental in our growth journey. She visited our facility to better understand our operations and has been incredibly proactive, consistently sharing information about available grants and training programs,” acknowledges Alice. “Our participation in the Export Navigator program significantly enhanced our readiness to expand into Washington and Oregon.”

With Tracey’s guidance, the couple were able to overcome some major hurdles, including navigating complex regulation requirements like FDA registration and compliance with food safety standards that differ from those in Canada.

Scaling their operations to meet US demand also required Atome Bakery to establish a reliable cold chain logistics system; which includes securing fulfillment centers, ensuring timely deliveries while maintaining product quality, and managing costs effectively.

The Recipe for Success

Now that Atome Bakery is successfully exporting to the U.S., Alice and Lucas are focused on building brand awareness and expanding their subscription model to ensure steady revenue growth. They have their eyes set on entering east coast U.S. markets by 2026.

“We now have a stronger foundation and a strategic plan for entering new markets with confidence,” credits Alice. “I would absolutely recommend joining Export Navigator. The program offers valuable resources, expert advice, and personalized support that can make a real difference in your export journey. It’s an excellent way to gain the knowledge and connections you need to confidently expand into new markets.”