Innovation in Acehnese Traditional Cakes: Creative Approaches to Enhance Competitiveness and Profitability in the Local Market

This article explores innovative strategies to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Acehnese traditional cakes, such as timpan, bhoi, and dodol, in the local market. These traditional cakes are an integral part of Acehnese cultural heritage, but their popularity is declining, especially among the younger generation, due to shifting culinary trends and modern lifestyles. To address this issue, this study examines product innovation, creative marketing, and sustainable business models as key approaches to maintaining the relevance of traditional cakes in the modern era. The findings highlight the importance of modifying flavors and packaging to appeal to contemporary tastes, utilizing digital marketing and social media to reach a broader audience, and building partnerships with local SMEs to ensure sustainable production. The strategies discussed in this article bridge the gap between preserving cultural heritage and meeting modern consumer demands, thereby enabling Acehnese traditional cakes to remain competitive and contribute to local economic development.