Fedima has published its 2025 Annual Report, mapping the regulatory and commercial pressures facing Europe's bakery ingredients industry. The federation represents approximately 200 companies employing 27,000 people, generating combined turnover of €7.8 billion.

The report centres on three regulatory issues carrying implications for industrial bakery operations: enzyme labelling, precautionary allergen labelling and mineral oil hydrocarbon controls. Fedima has developed consolidated positions on enzyme labelling ahead of the Union List publication, addressing nomenclature inconsistencies and requesting adequate transition periods. On allergen labelling, the federation delivered internal guidance to members navigating divergent national interpretations, particularly following new rules in the Netherlands.

Mineral oil contamination continues to attract attention. Fedima coordinated submissions to the European Commission and participated in multistakeholder forums, whilst urging science-based limits rather than detection-based standards.

Sustainability activity includes the inaugural Fedima Grant for Local Sustainable Initiatives. The 2025 recipient, Spanish organisation De Bellota, produces acorn-based products through dehesa agroforestry systems that sequester carbon whilst supporting rural employment. Fourteen applications from seven countries competed for the grant, which funds measurable environmental or social projects at regional level.

The sector's position between agricultural sourcing and finished goods production exposes suppliers to pressures from farming volatility and retailer sustainability demands. Several members have implemented verification systems for palm oil, cocoa and other deforestation-linked ingredients, though the report acknowledges sector-wide standardisation remains incomplete.

Fedima's 2024-2029 Manifesto for the EU Policy Cycle outlines seven advocacy priorities:

Regulatory frameworks supporting innovation, science-based policymaking, recognition of bread and pastry's dietary role, internal market harmonisation, acknowledgement of business-to-business sector characteristics, clear sustainability legislation and also climate adaptation strategies addressing raw material availability.

The Bread Initiative partnership continues as a platform for value chain engagement with policymakers. Following publication of the "Keeping Bread on the Table" vision paper, partners are refining advocacy approaches for the current EU mandate.

Innovation investment focuses on clean label formulations, natural preservation extending shelf life and reformulation which reduces sugar, salt or saturated fat. Enzyme technology is attracting particular research funding for dough conditioning and crumb softening applications which reduces chemical additive dependence.

Member companies supply artisan and industrial bakers across different proportions. German association BZV members supply 20% artisanal bakeries versus 40% industrial, whilst French association SYFAB members report 57% artisanal supply. These variations reflect differing national bakery structures.

Economic headwinds including energy costs and raw material price fluctuations receive attention in the report. Labour availability in production facilities emerges as a concern across multiple member companies, particularly for technical roles in quality assurance and product development.

Secretary General Wouter Lox leads Brussels engagement with Members of the European Parliament and Commission departments covering health, sustainability and competitiveness. Fedima maintains active participation in FoodDrinkEurope, connecting bakery ingredients manufacturers to broader food sector advocacy on innovation, sustainability and regulatory fairness.

The 2025 General Assembly in Brussels attracted over 90 participants from all 13 national member associations. The federation comprises associations from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Baking Europe remains a proud media partner, with Fedima's total digital presence during the period generating 18,000 website views, 95,000 LinkedIn impressions and 55 media mentions, with LinkedIn followers growing by nearly 20% to 3,290.

Access to the full report can be found here - Fedima Annual Report 2025