One of the nation’s largest bakeries has asked a federal court to help protect valuable trade secrets ”“ the recipe and processes responsible for the trademarked “nooks and crannies” of Thomas’ English Muffins.
These closely guarded details are fully known only by a handful of executives, and now one of them has been offered a job by Hostess Brands ”“ the maker of Wonder Bread, Twinkies, and other bakery goods.
It might seem unlikely that Hostess would have any interest in muffins prized for their rough crunchy texture and a fork-split irregularities that requires a sure hand with a butter knife. But Bimbo Bakeries, USA, the owner of the muffin company, is taking no chances. Lawyers for the company asked the court to block Chris Botticella from acccepting the job with Hostess. Not only does Botticella know the muffin formula, the company said, he is also familiar with the recipes for other premium breads, and he knows the company’s marketing strategies.
With only four major bakery firms operating in the U.S., protection of trade secrets is essential, the firm’s lawyers argued. “Botticella could produce an English muffin that might look a bit different, but that would nevertheless possess the distinctive taste, texture and flavor character that distinguish the Thomas’ English Muffin,” they argued in a brief submitted to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The executive was accused of loading documents onto a flash memory stick, and the court was skeptical about his explanation. He said he was working on his digital skills.
Botticella’ employment future is not clear, but as potential Vice President for Bakery Operations, East he could be a very important person to the management and staff at Biddeford’s J.J. Nissen bakery. Here’s our suggestion: Don’t mention English muffins, unless he does.
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