Scottish Bakers has released its inaugural Future of Bakery industry report, developed in partnership with global bakery supplier Dawn Foods. The comprehensive analysis provides Scottish Bakers' members with market data and consumer insights to support strategic business planning.

The report examines both sweet and savoury bakery categories, delivering analysis of market performance, shopper behaviour, pricing structures and emerging trends. Members can access the research through Scottish Bakers' new digital Insights Hub.

Market Performance Data

Scotland's sweet bakery market is valued at £261 million, with consumer spend rising 4.6% year-on-year.

This growth rate significantly exceeds both total bakery and total grocery spend performance in Scotland, which increased 2.8% respectively.

The savoury bakery category recorded 3% year-on-year growth, closely tracking total grocery growth of 3.4% in Scotland. While bread accounts for 31% of category volume, the strongest growth occurs in bread rolls, flatbreads and sausage rolls.

Research Methodology

The report combines consumer panel data from NIQ, representing 30,000 households across the UK, with bespoke research conducted by insight agency TRKR. The TRKR study surveyed over 500 bakery shoppers in Scotland to capture regional consumer preferences and purchasing patterns.

Strategic Applications

Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, stated:

"With shifting consumer priorities, rising costs and an increasingly competitive retail environment, the need for data-driven decision making has never been greater. This report provides our members with the tools to navigate changing shopper behaviours and capitalise on key growth areas."

The research identifies specific product categories experiencing accelerated growth, enabling bakers to align production and merchandising strategies with market demand. The positioning of sweet bakery as a high-growth category presents opportunities for retailers seeking to enhance overall store performance.

Industry Context

Scottish Bakers, established in 1891, represents Scotland's bakery sector with a membership spanning manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and allied trades. The organisation provides advocacy, training, and business support services to maintain sector competitiveness.

The Future of Bakery Report forms part of Scottish Bakers' strategic commitment to support sustainable growth and innovation across Scotland's bakery industry. The collaboration with Dawn Foods ensures the insights are relevant and actionable for commercial baking operations.

Access and Implementation

The report is available exclusively to Scottish Bakers' members through the organisation's Insights Hub platform. The digital resource is designed to deliver high-value commercial and consumer intelligence to support business development strategies.

For industrial bakers operating in Scotland's market, the report provides quantified data on consumer spending patterns, growth trajectories, and category performance metrics essential for informed business planning and product development decisions.