Jul22493 45. With true entrepreneurial spirit and innovative long-term vision, BBCOPA Bakery Group is not simply scaling a bakery, instead it is creating a group of brands with soul, where every step forward is grounded in purpose and partnership. We learn more about this unique approach from Co-Founder, and visionary, Serge Lamoral. BBCOPA Bakery Group is a Belgianbased artisan-industrial bakery group that combines high-quality production with innovative retail concepts. The bakery’s activities are three-fold, including large-scale bakery production, a growing franchise network under the brand Atelier Co-Pains, and strategic innovation with new concepts such as Salt n Sugar and looking for a start with Co-Pains Go. As an entrepreneur with a passion for craftsmanship and innovation, Serge Lamoral has built a strong production company for bread and pastries, serving both franchisees and external clients. This strategic foundation has led to the development of two unique concepts: Atelier Co-Pains and Salt n Sugar. Currently, the group serves 11 franchise stores, several third-party retailers in the Antwerp region, and is expanding both nationally and internationally, with a mission to evolve with resilience while maintaining uncompromising quality, whilst striving to bridge craftsmanship with innovation, always staying true to the values of authenticity, collaboration and customer experience. “I aim to help people and businesses grow by prioritising collaboration, sustainability, and innovation,” Serge elaborates. “I believe that great results come from passion, determination, and the power of a strong network. Together, we're working towards a future where craftsmanship and vision go hand in hand.” BBCOPA Bakery Group’s unique strength lies in the combination of authentic artisan taste with scalable, future-proof concepts. Serge tells us it is so much more than just a bakery - it is a bakery group that builds brands and enables entrepreneurs through franchising. “Unlike purely industrial bakers or small boutique bakeries, we successfully merge both worlds: the soul of craftsmanship with the structure and ambition of modern entrepreneurship,” he enthuses. “Our products retain their handmade character, while our business model is built for sustainable growth.” One of the group’s biggest differentiators is its founding team of four complementary partners, each bringing a unique strength. Whilst Serge himself oversees strategy, innovation and long-term vision, ensuring all parts of the business move together toward shared goals, he is joined by: Bert Meeussen, who leads production with deep expertise in artisan baking at scale; Lisbeth Lenaerts who focuses on franchise support and operational guidance, ensuring shop partners grow with confidence; and Nicole Hendrikx, who is the creative force behind the group’s marketing and brand communication, translating its values into a strong and recognisable identity. “This balance of operational know-how, strategic vision and creative power allows us to build more than just a bakery brand - we build a resilient, forward-thinking ecosystem where both products and people can flourish. And above all, we grow with our franchisees and partners - not above them” Sustainability, local sourcing and automation are driving forces in the Benelux food industry. Consumers are becoming more conscious, but they also demand convenience. Serge and his partners are seeing strong interest in high-quality, fresh products offered in new formats, like vending solutions and hybrid retail concepts. Meanwhile, franchise models are becoming more attractive for small entrepreneurs, although they require a high level of support and branding, which BBCOPA Bakery Group can provide. The group also anticipates more consolidation in the market and, to this end, is already building a strategy as a scalable bakery platform, ready for future growth and collaboration. “We believe in a culture of ownership, learning and connection,” Serge states. “We train and coach teams in both hard skills (product quality, production efficiency) and soft skills (customer service, non-verbal communication, teamwork). In new talent, we look for flexibility, resilience, and a genuine passion for the craft. We believe people grow faster in a positive, structured and empowering environment.” Recently, Serge and his partners gained notable success in the Benelux Enterprise Awards 2025 for the BBCOPA Bakery Group brand, clinching the coveted title of Best Artisanal Bakery 2025 – Antwerp. Understandably delighted with this prestigious accolade, the dynamic team of entrepreneurs now have their sights set on the bigger picture. “Winning this title has been a major milestone as it recognised not only our product excellence but also our structured and human-centered approach to franchise support,” Serge states. “Now, the remainder of this year and 2026 will be the year of scaling up. We are looking for a possible capital round to invest in high-tech bakery equipment that will boost our capacity and profitability. “Our long-term vision is to become the most entrepreneur-friendly bakery group in Belgium - one that supports innovation, local entrepreneurship and quality at scale.” Company: BBCOPA Bakery Group Name: Serge Lamoral Web Address: www.bbcopa.be Best Artisanal Bakery 2025 - Antwerp
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