From Sand to Snow: What It’s Really Like Moving a Baking Business Across the World
Spoiler: It’s not just flour and frosting.
Imagine packing up your entire baking business—recipes, tools, dreams—and moving over 7,000 miles—from the blazing heat of the Middle East to the icy chill of the Canadian Rockies. Sounds like a cakewalk? Not quite. Here’s what really went down when I packed up my bakery in Qatar after 4.5 years and rebuilt my cake biz from scratch in Calgary, Alberta!
Baking in Qatar for 4.5 Years: A Well-Oiled (and Buttery) Machine
Before moving, I was baking full-time in Doha, Qatar, for over 4.5 years. I had my routine, suppliers, and kitchen flow down to a science. I knew exactly where to get my chocolate, which day to shop for eggs, and how long a fondant order would take to arrive. Everything was predictable—until it wasn’t.
Cue: moving to Canada.
Qatar vs Calgary: Worlds Apart in More Than Just Temperature
Let’s break it down:
Qatar: dry, desert, hotter than your oven in summer (we’re talking 120°F).
Calgary: dry, mountain-high (literally 1045m above sea level), and colder than your freezer in winter (hello, -30°F).
Both: dry climates, but totally different baking environments
You’d think all I had to do was unpack my supplies, whip out my tried-and-tested recipes, and get baking, right?
Ha. I wish.
Supply Chain Woes: The Baking Supply Hunt (AKA “The Great Grocery Scavenger Hunt”)
Sure, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter are easy to find. But good-quality chocolate? Halal-certified vanilla? Fondant that doesn’t taste like rubber? That turned into a full-blown mission.
I started with a massive spreadsheet (yes, that kind of baker) and began listing down every store within reach. And then came the whiplash of pricing—one day Walmart has a steal, the next day it’s double. Bargain hunting is almost a sport here.
In Qatar, things were simpler. I had a set schedule, knew exactly where to get what, and it saved me so much time. Here? Every grocery trip is a research project.
Halal Baking in Canada: A Mission of Its Own
As a halal baker, I’m very particular about ingredients—especially flavorings and gelatins. Finding halal-certified baking supplies in Canada is possible, but not always easy, especially in Calgary. Bigger provinces like Ontario and BC have more options, but between shipping costs and limited stock, it’s a bit of a mission.
Keyword tip: If you’re looking for halal baking supplies in Canada, be ready to do your homework.
Online Shopping in Calgary? Tricky (aka “Why does everything ship from Ontario?!”)
I quickly learned that Calgary doesn’t always have the best stock when it comes to specialty baking items. BC and Ontario? Absolutely. But by the time you add shipping fees, it starts to feel like you’re buying gold.
Could I do anything about it? Nope. But hey, at least I’m building some serious budgeting skills.
The Packaging Problem: Boxes That Break the Bank
Let’s talk cake boxes.
My cakes are tall. Not “regular grocery store” tall—Instagram-worthy-tiered tall. So I need boxes that match. And guess what? Packaging here is expensive. Like, “wait, how much for a cardboard box?!” expensive.
In Qatar, I thought packaging was pricey, but this takes it to a whole new level. And yet, packaging is so important. It’s the first impression. Just like a beautifully plated dish makes you want to dig in, a beautifully boxed cake sets the tone.
The cake is the star, but the box? That’s the red carpet.
What About the Baking Itself?
There’s so much more to share about actually baking in a completely different climate and elevation (spoiler alert: your oven will betray you)—but I’ll save that for next time. Stay tuned for Part 2: Baking at Altitude – Tips, Trials, and Cake Fails.
Final Thoughts: Starting Over Is Messy, But Worth It
Was it overwhelming? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Also yes.
Every challenge has pushed me to grow, adapt, and become a better baker and business owner.
If you’re thinking of moving your baking business—or starting one in a new country—know this: it’s not just about flour and frosting. But with a bit of grit (and spreadsheets), you’ll get there.
Have you ever had to restart your business in a new place? Or are you a Calgary baker navigating the same struggles? Drop a comment or let’s connect on Instagram @mamabcakery – I’d love to hear your story!