Puratos advances career development with first Canadian Bakery School

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Puratos advances career development with first Canadian Bakery School

27 Feb 2026

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

MISSISSAUGA, ON — Puratos Canada celebrated the opening of its first Canadian Bakery School program in Mississauga, Ontario.

In an act to reinforce its commitment to education, workforce development and long-term industry sustainability in the Mississauga community and beyond, the program will enable students from grades 11-12 to engage directly with baking and pastry industry professionals through guest speakers, program support, and mentorship.

“We are proud to open the first Puratos Bakery school in Canada at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, just minutes from our Canadian headquarters in Mississauga,” said Michael Simone, president of Puratos Canada. “There is a clear shortage of skilled labor in the Canadian baking industry. The positive impact these students can have on the industry and the role we can help play in shaping their careers is tremendous.”

The inaugural cohort will include approximately 25 students in 2026, with more to join each year.

Developed in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), the program will run across four semesters, with coursework counting toward high school credits. The curriculum provides hands-on training in bakery, patisserie, chocolate and complementary culinary fundamentals.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Puratos in this unique program, which provides an opportunity unlike any other for DPCDSB students interested in exploring or pursuing a career in the baking industry, specifically, or in the foodservice industry in general,” said Dr. Marianne Mazzorato, director of education at DPCDSB.

Puratos operates 13 Bakery Schools worldwide in 12 countries, many in economically underserved regions including South Africa, India and Vietnam. The first opened in 2014, and the ingredient supplier has three more on the way, supporting its ambition to operate 20 Bakery Schools by 2030 and to welcome approximately 1,000 students annually worldwide.

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