A new CBA member survey* has revealed a growing demand for sweet bakery items, as consumers continue to seek out treats that comfort and indulge. Over a third (34%) of bakers questioned said that sales of sweet bakery products had grown during the past year. With the most popular sweet bakery products being doughnuts (33%) and large cakes (15%), followed by cupcakes, pastries, eclairs/choux buns and tartlets (6%), and cookies (3%).
The enduring popularity of sweet bakery items is reflected in the results that also revealed that over half of craft bakers said sales for these products had remained stable. For 1 in 5 bakers, sweet bakery items make up over 40% of total weekly sales. For 1 in 3 (33%) of CBA members, sweet bakery contributes 20-30% to weekly sales, followed by 30-40% of weekly sales for 1 in 4 (24%) bakers.
Demand for sweet bakery is also evidenced by the large product ranges on offer. Almost all bakers questioned (96%) said they offered over ten sweet bakery products and over half (58%) have more than 25 sweet bakery options in their range.
When it comes to reduced sugar, it seems there is divided opinion amongst bakers with 1 in 5 bakers (26%) saying they expect demand for these products to grow in the next year, but a similar number (32%) disagreeing with this.
For more advice on products to stock, health guidelines and more, bakers can get in touch with the CBA www.craftbakersassociation.co.uk.
