Trends: How Bakeries Can Keep Bread The No. 1 Bakery Product, And Maybe Spark Sales

How can industrial and commercial bakeries take advantage of current consumer health and wellness – not to mention flavor – trends to boost the appeal, and sales, of bread? A baking trade publication interviewed several company managers of innovation, consumer insights, sales and marketing, and other experts to find out what trends may boost sales of fresh bread, which is a $13-billion-dollar business and still the largest bakery category, though sales have been lackluster. Among these hopeful trends/strategies: artisan breads, variety in flavor and provenance, clean label; super-premium, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and nutritional supplementation; better-for-you in general, whole grains and seeds, both in and on loaves; upgrading of sandwich breads; gourmet burger buns (brioche and pretzels); and gourmet buns and rolls for sandwiches. [ Image credit: © Artisan bread ]