European consumers are cutting Christmas spending but prioritising meaningful celebration. Research shows 34% are reducing festive budgets, with 47% choosing sentimental options. This creates opportunity for industrial bakers focusing on authentic traditional bakes like panettone and stollen. Success lies in positioning products as justified indulgences delivering connection. Exactly what budget-conscious consumers now seek.

Global consumers feel they're living through ongoing uncertainty, influencing daily choices and long-term plans. FMCG Gurus' latest research identifies ten trends defining 2026, with the first five outlined here.

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

Baking Europe spent two days at the company's campus, hosted by Zoé Henneguier and the Lesaffre team, alongside Leah Smith. What we found was more than just a facility tour, it was a genuine look at how a family business approaches innovation.

GNT demonstrates plant-based colour applications at IBIE 2025 using traditional Mexican concha cookies. Natural colour adoption accelerates as bakery sector addresses regulatory changes and consumer demand for recognisable ingredients, despite technical challenges including heat stability and pH sensitivity.

Industrial bakers could discover lucrative opportunities in the gift packaging market, according to insights from SFFF 2025. Premium bakery packaging featuring storytelling elements, eco-friendly materials and artisan design aesthetics can transform everyday baked goods into gift-worthy products commanding higher margins.

Research from UK's largest bakery brand reveals 60% of parents feel pressure to create picture-perfect lunchboxes due to social media influence, with 70% reporting increased pressure over the past year. Warburtons launches satirical campaign addressing Instagram-driven parenting expectations affecting food preparation industry.

IBIE 2025 brings over 1,000 suppliers to Las Vegas 13-17 September for the Western Hemisphere's largest industrial baking trade show. Features AI automation sessions, international competitions, and new pet food/snack pavilions for commercial bakers.