Our VIC/TAS State Representative, Tim Smith, paid a visit to Steve Plarre at the Plarre Food Group to have a chat about their family business growth and being an early adopter of sustainability.
Starting in the early 1900s from one shop in Moonee Ponds, Plarre Food Group has a history of growth and sustainability, now in its 4th generation with brothers Steve and Mike Plarre leading the way - the 5th generation has also entered the business, with Mike’s daughter among the ranks of their 200+ staff.
Plarre Food Group is home to the iconic Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, which has over 80 stores across Victoria, including 70 franchisees, many of whom are also family businesses. The Group also produces and supplies meat-free pastries to supermarket shelves through their brand, Pie Society.
An early adopter of sustainability at the turn of the millennium, Plarre Food Group see the environment and sustainable business growth as the primary issue for business and community into the future. Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse channels over 95% of all waste back into recycling streams and during the summer months, over 60% of their peak energy is drawn directly from the sun.
Tim, who thoroughly enjoyed his visit, said, "It was a treat, (pardon the pun), to be shown around the facility by Steve and see their staff at work with their pastries, and their delicious cakes all being crafted by hand ready for fresh delivery to their stores. With such a large team it was very impressive to hear Steve address staff in every room we visited by first name. The trophies and awards on display upon arrival is a testament to the quality of the product they produce for Victorians every day."
"I couldn’t help but stop off at my local Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse on the way home for my personal favourite, the family custard tart!" Tim said.
Steve, what has been your greatest success?
"I’d have to say it was setting up the Strategic Execution Cycle of the Plarre business. This incorporates a Strategy Temple that has Values and Vision filtering down to a 5 year plan, 1 year plan and then 4 quarterly “RESET cycles” that every department runs.
"This ensures that our strategy is considered at every level, and every decision and success is measured quarterly. Making sure that our strategic cycle has a heartbeat of it’s own and runs across all areas of the business autonomously," said Steve.
What do you value about FBA?
"We acknowledge that every family business is unique but also face some common challenges and opportunities. Why be limited to the learnings of just our family when we can get exposure to hundreds of others?
"This is why we joined FBA. You don’t know what you don’t know, and FBA provides a network that increases what we do know!," said Steve.
Explore the delicious range at Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse and Pie Society.
Support family business.
