Lune Croissanterie’s Kate Reid awarded RMIT honorary doctorate

Lune Croissanterie’s Kate Reid awarded RMIT honorary doctorate

The entrepreneur behind Melbourne’s iconic Lune Croissanterie has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business honoris causa at the 2023 RMIT graduation ceremony.

If you've walked past one of Lune’s five locations early in the morning, chances are you’ve seen a queue around the block.

But despite her culinary success, founder and owner Kate Reid didn’t start her career in hospitality.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) from RMIT in 2004, she initially pursued her then dream career as a Formula 1 engineer.

“The five years I spent completing my Bachelor of Engineering at RMIT were incredibly fulfilling. I loved everything I was learning – I still think aerodynamics is the most beautiful science on the planet,” said Reid. 

Following several years overseas, Reid returned to Melbourne seeking a slower life and with what she described as the glimmer of a new passion: baking. 

Reid said she took a traditional French croissant recipe and through an intricate process of research, development and creativity, adapted it for the Australian environment to deliver an exceptional and now iconic product.  

The project turned out to be the ideal blend of her engineering background and her appreciation for exceptional pastry making.

14 December 2023

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Kate Reid receives her Honorary Doctorate of Business from RMIT Chancellor Peggy O'Neal.

In 2012 she opened Lune in Elwood, at first to supply cafes but quickly becoming a retail shopfront.

Reid said her degree in Aerospace Engineering and time working in Formula 1 were far from irrelevant to her experience building Lune. 

“It’s those seemingly unrelated experiences that have resulted in Lune being so very different to every other bakery, and how we approach every aspect of our business on a daily basis.

“Just like in engineering, evolution and innovation are core to the success of Lune.”

Reid now oversees three retail outlets in Melbourne and two in Brisbane, with another two set to open in Sydney next year. She has also authored a cookbook, appeared on Channel 10’s hit show, Masterchef, and become a regular in the media.

“Over the years I have learned that, in business, it’s not enough to simply have a good idea that proves successful,” she said.

“The difficult part is continuing to stay relevant, to push your business to evolve and reflect the changing needs of your customers.”

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would receive an Honorary Doctorate, particularly one in business.”

“I would like to thank RMIT for this extraordinary honour.”

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law), Professor Julie Cogan, said RMIT Reid’s innovation, imagination and dedication were an inspiration to the RMIT community.  

“Kate is living proof of the way our dreams can surprise us but when we stay true to our passion and our purpose the opportunities are endless.”

“We are so pleased to welcome her back not just as an esteemed alumni but to celebrate the award of this Honorary Doctorate of Business.”

Reid received her award at RMIT's 2023 gradution ceremony at Marvel Stadium along with more that 8,500 graduating students from around the world. 

 

Story: Grace Taylor

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14 December 2023

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