Sweet delight: Michelle holding her rum and brandy fruitcake which is a popular choice for the Christmas season. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: With Christmas just a week away, bakers here are racing against time to fulfil the growing number of orders for festive treats, particularly for fruitcakes.
Baker Michelle Abigail Francis, 36, said she began accepting Christmas orders in November, with demand continuing to build as the festive season approaches.
“I’ve received nearly 300 orders so far for this Christmas, a 20% increase compared to the orders I received in 2023.
“I start my day at 6am and sometimes finish at 2am. The long hours are part of the festive rush, as customers continue placing orders right up to Christmas,” said the mother of two, who operates out of her home in Silibin Ria.
“I usually try to close orders by Dec 18, but there are always more orders coming in towards the end,” she added.
Meanwhile, another baker, A. Gnana Grace, 50, said orders have also been coming in for her halal fruitcakes, gingerbread and florentine cookies since October.
“These items are the most popular during Christmas, and I’m seeing a 30% increase in sales this time,” she said.
“I’ve received about 90 orders so far, and I expect more closer to New Year,” she added.
“With the increasing demand, I start my day at 4am and often work until midnight or about 1am.
“I aim to complete deliveries by Dec 25, but we still expect more walk-in orders, regular customers and through online shopping platforms,” she said.
