The Fresh Market, Inc., a specialty grocer, has appointed David Cummings as director of bakery. Cummings serves as a key leader of the bakery merchandising department providing strategic direction on the departments growth plans of offering best-in-class baked goods as well artisan and seasonal desserts.

“David is a true bakery expert and has a long, dedicated focus in the bakery world,” said Diane Cleven, director of deli, CMS and bakery, whom David will be reporting to. “While this may not be on his resume, he literally started ‘making the donuts’ at his parents Dunkin Donut shop when he was just 13.  He has gravitated to specialty bakery as his career progressed, and we could not be more thrilled to have him join our team at The Fresh Market.”

Cummings brings 46 years of bakery experience, most recently as director of bakery retail at Balducci’s and Kings, and as vice president, bakery at Fairway Market. Over his career Cummings has also worked for ShopRite, A&P and in sales positions for Pillsbury, General Mills and Hazelwood Farms.

Cummings attended Western New England University, and also completed the Science of Baking course at the American Institute of Baking.

When asked what attracted Cummings to The Fresh Market, he said, “Without hesitation, it is the team, the product offering as well as the quality and freshness of the product offerings.”

Cummings’ focus is to expand specialty offerings and build on the bakery departments’ strengths, working closely with the operations team to offer best-in-class products that are specifically curated for The Fresh Market.