European sugar beet yields improved in 2025 as integrated pest management reduced reed glass-winged cicada populations threatening German sugar production. Südzucker reports higher beet yields and sugar content versus 2024, though emergency insecticide approvals remain necessary for 2026. Industrial bakers face reduced supply risk as coordinated control strategies show measurable progress against SBR and Stolbur bacterial diseases.

EU-Mercosur trade deal's sugar quotas raise supply chain concerns for industrial bakeries as safeguard mechanism fails to prevent factory closures.

BASF Aroma Ingredients launches Isobionics® Natural alpha-Farnesene 95, a fermentation-based lime flavour with 95% purity for industrial baking. The natural, pesticide-free ingredient is kosher and halal certified for use in beverages, confectionery and citrus applications.

Middleby Corporation opens 65,000-square-foot innovation centre near Venice for production-scale testing of bakery, protein and snack processing equipment. Facility offers R&D, validation and training for industrial food manufacturers.

Spanish producer De Bellota wins Fedima's inaugural €20,000 Sustainability Grant for acorn-based bakery ingredients with low carbon footprint and rural impact.

ISO 23983:2025 establishes the first international standard for baker's yeast quality. Developed by COFALEC and ISO TC 34, it defines technical specifications for fresh and dry yeast formats, including microbiological criteria, physico-chemical parameters, and testing protocols for industrial bakers.

Oregon artisan bakery Ocemiam launches nationwide e-commerce platform for French-style individual cakes and banana bread, targeting US holiday season market.

Mulino Bianco's Buongrano receives FoodChain ID Regenerative Agriculture Certification, becoming Italy's first bakery product with certified regenerative wheat flour.

Frank Roberts & Sons Limited has been acquired by Boparan Private Office securing the future of the 138-year-old Northwich bakery and preserving 433 jobs.

Hovis launches first sourdough range with White and Seeded Sourdough Cobs. UK sourdough market worth £170m sees 56% YoY growth as brand targets premium bakery segment.

Researchers at Queen Margaret University have developed Palm-Alt, a replacement for palm shortening in industrial bakery applications. Made from rapeseed oil, fibres and proteins, the ingredient delivers up to 25% less fat and 89% less saturated fat whilst maintaining texture and flavour in biscuits, cakes and bread. Now in commercial trials.

New research shows pulse-based sourdough delivers 45% more protein than traditional bread, with improved amino acid profiles and reduced antinutritional factors. HealthFerm Consortium findings for industrial bakers.