Fleur Hebres, a French entrepreneur and the CEO of La Boul’Accra, has embarked on an inspiring journey to bring authentic French bread to the heart of Ghana. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Fleur’s diverse background has given her a unique perspective on the culinary world. In an interview with Just4WomenAfrica, she shared her motivations, challenges, and successes in establishing her bakery.
The Inspiration Behind La Boul’Accra
Fleur discovered that the French bread sold in Ghana was often imported frozen and distributed to hotels and cafés. This practice didn’t make sense to her, especially considering the rich baking traditions of France. Motivated to reduce importation and promote local production, she decided to start baking French bread locally. Her vision was to provide freshly baked, high-quality French bread to the people of Ghana.
Breaking into the Market
When asked if she has been able to supply her bread to major hotels in Ghana, Fleur admitted that she has faced some challenges. Despite her efforts, the major hotels have existing contracts with suppliers who import the bread, and they are hesitant to change. However, Fleur remains hopeful that over time, these hotels will recognize the value of purchasing from a local bakery.
On a positive note, Fleur has successfully broken into the restaurant market in Ghana, supplying her delicious French bread to various eateries across the country. This milestone is a testament to the quality and appeal of her products.
Daily Production
La Boul’Accra is a bustling bakery, producing between 500 to 600 pieces of bread daily. The bakery boasts an impressive variety of 90 different types of bread, including classics like baguettes, whole grain bread, yellow bread, and tomato bread.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a bakery, especially one specializing in French bread, came with its own set of challenges. Fleur highlighted that managing and hiring staff was a significant hurdle. Finding local talent with knowledge of French baking was difficult, so she had to invest time and resources into training her employees.
In a humorous anecdote, Fleur recounted how her first employee was her security guard, who worked as a baker at night. This unexpected but dedicated team member approached her with a keen interest in baking, showcasing the potential within local talent.
A Variety of Offerings
La Boul’Accra’s menu is diverse, featuring a range of breads that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of their popular offerings include:
- Baguette: The quintessential French bread with a crisp crust and airy interior.
- Whole Grain Bread: Nutritious and hearty, perfect for health-conscious consumers.
- Yellow Bread: A unique variety with a vibrant color and rich flavor.
- Tomato Bread: A savory option infused with the flavor of tomatoes.
Looking Ahead
Fleur Hebres is optimistic about the future of La Boul’Accra. She hopes that with persistence and quality products, more hotels and businesses in Ghana will recognize the benefits of supporting local production. Her journey serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating the impact of passion, perseverance, and innovation.
Fleur’s story is a testament to the power of local entrepreneurship and the potential to bring authentic cultural experiences to new markets. As she continues to bake and innovate, La Boul’Accra is sure to leave a lasting mark on Ghana’s culinary landscape.
