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.

Tesco Northern Ireland adds 31 bakery products from six regional suppliers including Irwin's Bakery, Genesis Bakery, and Holmes Bakery. The expansion follows 11% year-on-year growth in local cake category sales, with partnerships generating over £4 million annually for some suppliers.

Meala FoodTech has launched Groundbaker, a single-ingredient pea protein solution designed to replicate the multifunctional performance of eggs in bakery applications.

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.

Swindon-based Pipp & Co expands beyond doughnuts with vegan banana walnut loaf, producing 25,000+ units weekly. SALSA-certified bakery demonstrates commercial viability of plant-based range expansion for industrial bakers.

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.

British Bakels launches Ready-to-Use Mallow - an ambient-stable, vegetarian topping and filling for industrial bakeries. Eliminates refrigeration requirements, streamlines production workflows, and enables product innovation across doughnuts, desserts, and biscuits.