News and Trends

As consumers’ lifestyles are changing, their consumption habits follow suit, influencing 2020 food trends – bakery included. The UK is set to drive growth in Western Europe and is likely to be followed by the Nordic countries, Euromonitor International research shows. Baked goods are poised to return to growth in Western Europe, a shift led by consumption patterns in the UK. As consumers are turning away from previously popular low-carb diets, premium craft baked goods are on shopping lists, with demands for new natural food additions that include seeds, ancient grains, or legumes. To meet this trend in the UK, Allied Bakeries’ Kingsmill has launched a white bread with high-fiber claims, which also includes added vitamins and minerals. Similar shifts indicate this phenomenon is occurring in the Nordic countries, although the recovery here is yet to show. At the same time, research on gluten-free diets has recently been published in the media in the UK an...

Ahead of National Croissant Day later this month, consumer research has revealed the top three things shoppers look for when buying a pastry. Not surprisingly, taste/flavour is top of the list for consumers, according to research conducted for Délifrance’s Prove It: The Great British Bakery Report. This was followed by freshness (56%) and price (40%). With National Croissant Day taking place on 30 January, the report also showed that croissants are the most talked about Viennoiserie product on social media, accounting for 74% of conversation. The report also revealed: 75% prefer freshly baked Viennoiserie products 32% buy them from artisan bakeries 23% buy them from independent and chain coffee shops 42% would buy more croissants if there were healthier options 28% would buy more if there was more variety The study also highlighted a promotional opportunity for bakers, with 40% of people more likely to buy a pastry with a hot drink. “Christmas...

Delice de France has launched a limited edition Valentine’s Heart Doughnut, in a move designed to “appeal to shoppers’ love of an indulgent treat”. The doughnut is shaped like a heart and filled with cremé, decorated with pink icing and  topped with read and white heart-shaped sugar pieces and white icing. It retails for £1 and is supplied frozen in cases of 36, ready to be served in 90 minutes. The company said many consumers are “seeking to hold a more balanced approach when it comes to indulgent food and drink”, with 48% of consumers agreeing that eating less of an indulgent food is more appealing than eating a “diet” or “light” version of the same. Jenny Bayliss, sales operations director at Delice de France, said: “Perfect served on its own, on-the-go, or as part of an incremental deal alongside a hot drink; retailers can use our limited edition doughnut to drive serious profits in the lead up to Valentine’s Day and beyond.” ...

Mike Coupe is to retire from his role as Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s at the end of May. Having run the UK’s second largest supermarket chain for six years, he will be replaced by the group’s current Retail and Operations Director Simon Roberts. Simon Roberts Roberts joined Sainsbury’s in July 2017 in his current role which is responsible for stores, central operation and logistics. Before that he was Executive VP of Walgreens Boots Alliance and President of the Boots chain. Roberts had previously been Managing Director of Boots UK for two years. Earlier in his career, he spent 14 years at Marks & Spencer, where he had roles in stores and operations. He will start as Sainsbury’s new CEO from 1 June. Analysts have suggested that’s Coupe position has been under threat since the failed Asda deal last year and subsequent fall in the group’s share price. Sainsbury’s has also suffered from a prolonged period of underperformance. However, the company’s shareholder...

A quarter (24%)* of the nation admit they want to improve their diet to enhance their overall gut health.  Waitrose & Partners has introduced a ‘Love your Gut’ range  to support customers with this choice. In addition to the current range of products that are known for being good for gut health, a selection of new products with clear gut health benefits to help shoppers make smart and informed choices is being launched. Developed by nutritionists, these include two delicious soups – available now – and two Kefir drinks which will arrive online and in stores in March. Available in two flavours, the soups support a healthy and balanced digestive system thanks to the active ingredient, chicory inulin. The tangy and fresh Carrot, Apple & Tumeric Soup with Cider Vinegar  is a delicious blend of carrot, apple, coconut milk and cider vinegar finished with a sprinkle of turmeric, while the hearty and nourishing Multigrain Sou...

Mass popularity has been a long time coming for the chain, which last week rewarded staff with a £300 ($390) bonus after another string of successful returns. Greggs started life in Tyneside, a former center for heavy industry in northeast England, in 1939, and was a forgettable fixture on a select number of UK main streets just a decade ago. Boris Johnson eating a Greggs sausage roll, and Jeremy Corbyn inside a store, ahead of the 2019 general election. But with an unusual and relentless marketing campaign and a shift towards healthier products that appeal to wealthier customers, the company has reinvented itself. "People want to be associated with Greggs," says Sara Collinge, managing director of marketing consultancy Don't Cry Wolf. "It's incredible to think that just a few years ago they were a beleaguered business that was really struggling to keep up with other ... chains like Subway." ...

Frozen food products are as popular as ever. Dr Sabine Eichner, Managing Director at the German Frozen Foods Institute, talked to us about sector trends, developments and statistics What changes are taking place in the convenience market? Frozen foods are excellent convenience products that have been very successful in the out-of-home market for years. They offer various levels of convenience, from peeled vegetables to premium finger food. The top-selling frozen food products are currently frozen bakery products, which currently account for 34% of total sales, followed by frozen meat at 15% and frozen vegetables at just under 12%. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of products, from basic snacks to in-store and company restaurant foods, and even high-end cuisine solutions. Freshness and convenience are two strong arguments in favour of frozen foods that are supported by the growth statistics for high-convenience products. What challenges are associated with...