Month: June 2014

Bread Market Rises in 2013

by mrbakestone, posted in Debate

By Lesley Foottit
3.4% rise in the bread market
On the rise: A 10.9% growth is expected to be made between now and 2018
The UK retail market for bread and bakery products grew by 3.4% in 2013 despite continued decline in bread consumption and volume sales.
Key Note forecasters, which produced this report, anticipate a growth of 10.9% between now and 2018 based on the strength of diversification in the market. Changing consumer interests mean a wealth of avenues for growth in the sector as trends progress. Growth is also facilitated by the ongoing effects of rising inflation on retail prices and the higher expense of speciality breads.
The report also revealed that white bread is still a significant contributor to overall sales as the nation’s favourite bread. Its popularity has been compounded by the success of combination loaves such as Hovis’ Best of Both loaf, which are included in the sector.
However, sales of brown and wholemeal loaves are less substantial though buoyed up slightly as people favour ‘healthier’ options. Both traditional bread sectors are under threat from the rising speciality breads market in the UK including a variety such as ciabatta, naan and rye. The mass availability of different types has encouraged the diversification of consumer interests as the popularity of rolls, bagels, doughnuts and crumpets is also on the up.
Gluten-free boost

Demand for gluten-free breads and homemade sandwiches also contributed to 2013’s growth. The popularity of the latter has been driven by new product developments such as combination rolls, wraps and flatbreads as well as the already-popular bagels category.

Despite the advent of speciality breads and other bakery products, total bread consumption in the UK continues on a long-term downward trend. Volume sales of traditional loaves are declining at a faster rate than the alternative options are increasing.

“Bread is gradually becoming a less integral component of many Britons’ everyday diets,” stated the report. “New product developments in competing wheat-based markets, such as breakfast cereals and biscuits, as well as the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets are contributing to this trend. Consumers are instead choosing to consume speciality breads less regularly, with many consumers opting to do so at dinner, when such products can be used to make the meal more special.”
– See more at: http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/12836/Bread_market_to_grow_10.9_25_despite_overall_decline_.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BWeekly%2BIssue%2B405#sthash.AJMhIefp.dpuf

Calls for reduction in sugar in the food industry

by mrbakestone, posted in Debate

By Martyn Leek
The government should enforce sugar targets on the food industry, as it has with salt, according to a leading medical campaigner,
Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist and science director of Action on Sugar, said: “I think something should happen for sugar [like it has for salt]. They should reduce it [sugar content] by 40% in the next four years. This would be of great benefit to the nation’s health and the economy.”
Dr Malhotra was speaking to British Baker after reports had suggested the government would unveil its plans for targets or a sugar tax when the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) reports back at the end of the month. However, the Department of Health has since denied reports there will be a sugar tax.
He added: “If it was done in a gradual way, so as not to affect taste, then the producer would not see an impact on profits. Added sugar has no nutritional value.”
Commenting on the baking industry specifically, he said he understood there would always be sugar in cakes and sweet items, which should be consumed as treats, but he felt that more could be done to target hidden sugars in things like bread.
Earlier this year new targets were set for salt. The new stricter targets include a 10% reduction to an average 0.9g salt per 100g in bread and rolls by 2017, down from the previous target of 1g per 100g for 2012. But powder-raised morning goods will see salt targets increased to 1.13g salt on average, where the target had been an average 0.75g salt per 100g.
– See more at: http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/12781/New_call_for_sugar_targets.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BWeekly%2BIssue%2B399#sthash.yAKr4A7e.dpuf