Lena Kirstein: Master baker takes over a family tradition in Lehnin!

Lena Kirstein: Master baker takes over a family tradition in Lehnin!

In the small, traditional Kirstein bakery in Rädel, exciting things are happening: Seven generations of hand-on bakery art are not enough, because the next entrepreneurial orientation is just around the corner. At the age of 24, Lena Kirstein developed the master's examination as a confectioner and is planning to take over the family business that has existed since 1878 by her father Lutz Kirstein. This would lead the company into the sixth generation. However, the handover process is not a sugar slack and can take five to ten years, as Lutz reports. In order to make his company sustainable, he has already consulted a management consultant and ensured that the reins are handed over to the correct hands.

But before it comes, Lena had an exciting way in front of him. She recently passed her championship title, in July 2023, and demonstrated her skills in the bakery and in business topics. The master's course was intense and extended over three and a half months, in which the training of apprentices was also discussed. In addition to the practical work, Lena learned to create impressive chocolate and sugar show pieces, including a filigree peacock. Her exam work included Petit Four and Eclairs as well as a cake that reflected the cheerleader existence in full splendor.

challenges and perspectives

But the Kirstein bakery is not only characterized by tradition and championship. Lutz Kirstein always has an eye on the challenges of the baker's trade: "High wage costs, the competition through supermarkets and increasing energy costs are increasing," said the 60-year-old baker. The family company currently produces around 500 breads, 6000 rolls and 50 sheets of cakes on weekdays, with a growing number of up to 10,000 rolls on weekends. Such production figures require good staff - no wonder that vacancies, especially for specialists, exist.

The bakery industry as a whole has to struggle with falling figures: The number of craft bakeries in Germany has decreased from 15,000 to only 8,500. The Central Association of German Bakery Guilds Germania, founded in 1874, is fighting to improve the framework conditions for bakers. It is reminiscent of the need for cohesion in the bakery family, while the need to adapt and innovation becomes clearer. "The challenges are in detail, and history shows that we have to learn from crises," is the motto. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary, a chronicle is created that educates about the turbulence of the profession and at the same time emphasizes the importance of the strong associations.

The role of master training

How important the master training is, it is not only in the Kirstein bakery. According to the master's examination regulations, the exams are divided into four parts. The first part is the practical examination, followed by theoretical subjects that include technological, business and pedagogical knowledge. This comprehensive training is essential to meet the quality standards of the industry and to attend the next generation. Thus, the master training in the Kirstein bakery also helps to meet the high demands of customers and to lead the craft into the future.

With a view to the next few years, it remains to be seen how the two Kirstein generation will control the bakery through the challenges of the market. One thing should be said with certainty: the love of the craft and the tradition that is lived in the Kirstein bakery is unmistakable and will continue to exist in the future.