Snacks & Candy

C-Stores to Benefit From Bakery Trends

IDDBA forecasts in-store bakery market will reach $18.4 billion in sales by 2020

MADISON, Wis. -- Convenience stores are expanding their fresh bakery offerings and are looking for turnkey solutions for quickly adding in-store bakeries, according to the recent What’s in Store 2016, the annual trends research report published by the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA).

cronuts bakery trends

Other findings found in the book’s Bakery chapter include:

  • The in-store bakery market will reach $18.4 billion in sales by 2020, a 45% increase over its 2010 performance and 22% ahead of 2015’s total sales.
  • Single- and smaller-portion bakery products remain the hottest growth area for in-store bakeries, as products with “built-in portion control” like individual cake slices, parfaits and cake pops are garnering increased interest as part of the snacking megatrend.
  • Shoppers of in-store bakeries tend to be affluent, part of a large family, older couples and empty nesters and “ethnic explorers” who enjoy trying other tastes and flavors.
  • 56% of retailers view in-store bakeries as a foremost destination driver and key component of their store’s differentiation and consumer marketing strategies.
  • Chinese bakeries—which focus on single-serve pastries like small tarts, slices of Swiss roll cake, and buns with fillings like red bean, roast pork, taro, cream and salted egg yolks—are an emerging trend.
  • Specialty items and ingredients generating greater interest include: gluten-free grape seed flour; sprouted grain, quinoa, and amaranth; local and regional offerings; and ethnic products like tres leches, dulce de leche and paczki.

“From healthier, fresh, and single-serve options, to ethnic-influenced and indulgent products, in-store bakeries are in the perfect position to connect with the evolving tastes and eating patterns of today’s shoppers,” said Eric Richard, education coordinator for IDDBA. “By observing consumer eating and purchasing trends, in-store bakeries can become a destination for not only traditional bakery department shoppers, but those looking for products that fit their lifestyles.”

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