93% of Women Lead Baking Businesses, but Their Growth Is Stalled: What’s Holding Them Back?
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Lima, April 2025.– In a context marked by economic and social barriers, women's entrepreneurial spirit continues to rise, contributing significantly to the Peruvian economy. In the bakery and pastry sector specifically, approximately 186,000 entrepreneurs are involved, 93% of whom are women, according to Ipsos (2023); however, many of these businesses fail to grow.
While this sector offers significant potential for the country’s economic development, production is largely characterized by its small scale or informal nature. That’s why Alicorp, in partnership with Centrum PUCP, Mibanco, Yape, and Nova Escuela, has created “Escuela de Oro,” a training program specifically designed to address the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
“Despite the diversity of profiles, common challenges persist, such as limited access to advanced training, financial literacy, and essential resources for professionalization,” says Andrea Lazarte, Director of Positive Impact at Centrum PUCP.
Lazarte also emphasizes that professionalizing this sector will allow women to advance in their future as bakers, thus building a more entrepreneurial Peru.
“The results are encouraging: 246 women have completed the program, reporting significant sales growth in a short time, generating tangible economic impact for their families and the country,” she adds.
Another critical factor limiting the growth of these businesses is the restricted access to formal financial services, education, and technology.
“Entrepreneurs drive our country’s economy, and many of these women acquire their skills through self-learning or family traditions. That’s why at Alicorp, we’re promoting this program to enhance their knowledge and provide new tools so they can continue to grow,” says Luisa Grados, Marketing Manager of Alicorp’s Baking Division. By investing in female business development, the country not only boosts the local economy, but also creates a virtuous growth cycle, where the success of these entrepreneurs translates into broader economic dynamism.
About the Escuela de Oro Program
The “Escuela de Oro” initiative is part of Alicorp’s Reposteras de Oro and emerged as a strategic alliance among Alicorp, Centrum PUCP, Mibanco, Yape, and Nova Escuela. Its goal is to strengthen the entrepreneurial development of women in the bakery and pastry sector, particularly their financial management skills, leadership, strategic decision-making, and mastery of digital marketing and sales tools.
In addition to the graduates, 125 women submitted their Business Model Canvas to participate in the associated contest. The three winners were:
They received prizes such as Nova equipment, savings accounts at Mibanco, and financial incentives to support the growth of their businesses.
