News and Trends

  Source: Bryan Roberts Bryan Roberts • Following Retail Futures Senior Partner - Linkedin Retail Futures Senior Partner 4 days ago After several months of reduced opening hours, the Tesco superstore in Wokingham (thought to be one of several test stores) has seen its refurbishment largely completed, heralding a number of meaningful innovations and improvements. It would appear that there are still a number of other enhancements in the pipeline in health & beauty and an ambient category or two, but the overall impact is very impressive. The key highlights include: 🎨 Décor: new lighting, signage and (more efficient) chillers have been put in place. 💐The Flower Shop: a very stylish front-of-store section that brings together, floral, gifting confectionery, greetings cards and gift cards. 🥖 Bakery: this has been brought forward to the front of the store to sit adjacent to produce. It is replenished from the back of the store still and its relocation hints at more mission-base...

The cake market is a veritable buffet of innovation and inspiration, with punchy flavours, over-the-top creations, and TikTok-worthy designs. “Younger consumers and the influence of social media have helped to fuel current demand for premium, visually stunning cakes, often with global flavour influences and, ideally, a functional or health benefit too. These are trends that are big news in bakery and are only set to continue into 2024,” according to Jacqui Passmore, marketing manager UK and Ireland at Dawn Foods. “Much of this exciting innovation in cake format and flavours is being driven by small artisanal bakeries across the UK who have the flexibility to be able to introduce new limited-edition seasonal lines and quickly respond to the next big ‘cake craze’ on social.” So, what are the next big cake crazes? And how can bakers of all sizes tap into them? Source: Getty Images Take a trip down memory lane Bakery fans refuse to take off their rose-tinted glasses when it comes to sweet ...