Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the unique journey and philosophy of "Avec Toi" French bakery in Shanghai, emphasizing its longevity and success through craftsmanship and quality over mere marketing and trends [1][3][34]. Group 1: Bakery Longevity and Philosophy - The average lifespan of a bakery in Shanghai is around three years, with five years considered exceptional, yet "Avec Toi" has thrived for 11 years [1][3]. - The bakery's success is attributed to a commitment to time-honored techniques and a focus on quality ingredients rather than relying on marketing hype [3][34]. - The founder, an elderly Japanese baker, brought his expertise from France to Shanghai, blending French baking traditions with Japanese precision [5][7]. Group 2: Leadership Transition - The current leader, Pang Junjie, transitioned from a management role in a major dessert brand to a hands-on role in baking, emphasizing a return to craftsmanship [10][11]. - Pang's experience in a fast-growing chain provided her with insights into the balance between quality and scale, which she now applies to "Avec Toi" [10][11][13]. Group 3: Product Offerings - Signature products include a unique cream baguette, which has become a symbol of the bakery, and a new egg tart that has quickly gained popularity [17][22]. - The bakery emphasizes the use of high-quality imported ingredients and traditional methods, such as hand-kneading, to create distinctive flavors and textures [33][25]. Group 4: Market Position and Future Plans - "Avec Toi" operates without paid promotions, relying instead on word-of-mouth and customer loyalty, which has allowed it to stand out in a competitive market [34]. - Future expansion plans are cautious, focusing on maintaining quality and the handmade process rather than rapid growth [34].