JACKSON, MI — Global bakery and ingredient supplier Dawn Foods continues its baking industry trend insights but in a new way.
The company debuted the global and European insights in “Dawn Global Bakery Trends,” a collection of data-driven insights that offer bakers a resource to stay ahead of consumer interests, during this year’s iba, held May 18-22 in Dusseldorf, Germany. North America-focused insights will be unveiled at the International Baking Industry Exposition, set for Sept. 14-17 in Las Vegas.
“The baking industry is evolving faster than ever, and our global bakery trends give our customers the clarity and confidence they need to lead that change,” said Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods. “At Dawn, we’re committed to providing our customers with the best quality products and services, and the insights and ideas that drive growth and bakery innovation. The Dawn team is excited to share our proprietary research revealing four important insights and trends and to help bakeries translate these insights into actionable ideas empowering growth.”
Conducted as a comprehensive research project from Dawn’s Global Market Research and Insights team, the report is a conglomerate of syndicated industry data, proprietary research derived from more than 2,500 consumer surveys and global visits to bakeries, grocery stores and foodservice establishments.
Sweet connections
Shopping impulses are being driven by online content creators through social platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. Dawn’s report revealed that 60% of consumers say social media influences them to buy bakery items.
By using these platforms to share new product launches and engage with prospective customers, bakery owners can increase brand awareness.
Elevated indulgence
Money’s tight for customers these days, so when it comes to buying baked goods, they’re looking to maximize their dollars. From quality ingredients to abstract flavor experiences, shoppers are looking to take their day-to-day baked goods to the next level, with 72% seeing sweet baked goods as affordable luxuries. According to the report, three in four people like to try new foods and experiences.
Bakers can benefit from this daily indulgence culture by offering unique limited-time products and elevating staples with premium ingredients.
Simple pleasures
Though bold flavor profiles and unexpected combinations can drive sales, there’s also space for sticking to the classics. This rings especially true for social gatherings, for which nearly 80% of consumers buy baked goods. In addition to shareable sweets, there’s a continuation of the “newstalgia” trend, Dawn’s trends report noted, with four in five consumers liking sweet baked goods that remind them of childhood.
With this in mind, bakery owners can experiment with their offerings, putting a familiar twist on staples such as croissants and muffins.
Empowering choices
Customers continue to vote with their dollars. When making a purchase, the Dawn report reveals that more than half of shoppers prioritize a brand’s values. They’re looking to support businesses that align with their values and preferences. For instance, 60% of customers are loyal to brands that support sustainability.
The opportunity for bakeries lies in transparency with customers about ingredients and inclusive options, such as gluten-free and keto.
