IDDBA 2024: Bakery Trends and Industry Insights.

State of the Bakery Industry, 2024.

Overcoming Bakery Sales Challenges

In recent years, consumer habits have shifted significantly with an increase in online shopping. Retail stores now offer a wide range of products, from A to Z, to meet all household needs under one roof, exemplified by giants like Walmart and Amazon. Similarly, the rise of digitization and globalization over the past decade has amplified the popularity of online shopping, also altering food consumption habits.

While bakery and deli products might seem to face unique challenges due to the lack of sensory interaction and perceived freshness, consumers continue to purchase these items online. Here are some key insights: 

Consumer demand for fresh bakery products online stays high

Around 61% of online shoppers include fresh bakery products in their shopping cart. This shows that there is a market for these products, even without the possibility of physically seeing the product or assessing freshness prior to purchase. 

Consumer behavior

Regular purchases: 34% of consumers frequently buy bakery products online as part of their regular grocery orders, indicating a consistent demand. 

Impulse purchases: 66% of consumers occasionally add bakery items to their online orders, suggesting that convenience and cravings play a role in these purchases.

In response to these consumer behaviors, industries are adopting various strategies to adapt. They are leveraging the visual appeal and impulse purchase triggers of fresh bakery products to drive online sales. This approach acknowledges the challenges of the online shopping environment and focuses on understanding and influencing consumer behavior. Despite the growth in online shopping, consumers remain highly attentive and increasingly interested in the origins of their food.

Consumers seek this information through various channels: 

The IDDBA 2024 emphasized that online sales do not negatively impact fresh produce sales. However, as consumers increasingly rely on descriptions and images, their confidence can waver. Ensuring perceived freshness is crucial, as consumers expect high-quality, timely deliveries, especially for time-sensitive bakery products. To address this, retailers should enhance visual appeal with high-quality images and detailed descriptions, clearly communicate dates and storage instructions, use promotions and bundles to stimulate purchases, and leverage customer reviews to build trust. These strategies help mitigate the reluctance to buy bakery products online by focusing on strategic marketing, transparency, and consumer education to boost sales. 

Sustainability: More than a Trend, a Necessity

Sustainability in the bakery industry now encompasses more than environmental concerns; it includes ethical practices, social responsibility, and mindful choices. IDDBA 2024 highlighted how this comprehensive approach to sustainability is reshaping both consumer behavior and industry practices. 

Consumer Priorities

Generational Focus

Younger consumers, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are particularly focused on sustainability. In the past year, 29% of Gen Z and Millennials have stopped purchasing from brands due to sustainability concerns, compared to 19% for Gen Z and 21% for Millennials. In contrast, 15% of Gen X and 7% of Boomers have taken similar actions. This generational disparity highlights the proactive role of younger demographics in driving sustainable practices and influencing industry norms. 

Balancing Health and Indulgence

Consumers are increasingly mindful of their health, seeking a balance between indulgence and nutritional value. Approximately, 44% of consumers do not adhere to strict diets but prioritize balance and moderation in their eating habits. This trend reflects a move away from rigid dietary rules toward a more flexible approach to food consumption. Moreover, the popularity of fortified foods underscores a growing interest in products that offer enhanced health benefits without sacrificing taste. 

Sustainability in Practice

Clean Eating: There is a widespread preference for whole, minimally processed foods, with 18% of consumers prioritizing clean eating. This trend indicates a growing demand for healthier, less processed food options across all demographics. 

Fortified Foods: A significant 79% of consumers value micronutrient-enriched products, driving the popularity of fortified foods. These products are seen as a practical way to obtain added health benefits, especially amid concerns over rising grocery prices. 

Rising Cost

The Influence of Social Media and Technology

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok play a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences and driving trends within the bakery industry. These visual platforms excel in showcasing bakery products, sparking new trends, and fostering direct consumer engagement. 

Impact of Social Media

These platforms provide brands with direct access to consumers, allowing them to highlight product innovations and seasonal flavors. Collaborations with influencers and compelling content are instrumental in generating consumer interest and cultivating brand loyalty. 

Technological Advancements

The bakery sector is embracing technological innovations to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Innovations like QR codes for product information and automated cake vending machines illustrate the industry’s commitment to delivering innovative and convenient solutions.

Exclusive: Buddy Valastro Jr.: From Carlo’s Bakery to Celebrity Baker

 At IDDBA 2024, Buddy Valastro Jr., the celebrated star of “Cake Boss” and the face of Carlo’s Bakery, shared his remarkable journey from local baker to global icon. Following his father’s passing when Buddy was just 17, he assumed leadership of Carlo’s Bakery and cultivated its reputation for exquisite wedding cakes, distinguishing it through exceptional craftsmanship and quality. His breakthrough came when a prominent wedding magazine featured the bakery, leading to the creation of “Cake Boss,” a popular TV series that spanned nine seasons and catapulted Buddy to household fame. Capitalizing on this success, Buddy expanded Carlo’s Bakery beyond its Hoboken origins, establishing partnerships with Walmart and Chuck E. Cheese, and pioneering innovations like cake vending machines and a flagship store in Times Square. His story, brimming with resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and maintaining high standards, providing an inspiring blueprint for aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs navigating challenges to achieve enduring success.

About the IDDBA

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Show is an annual trade event that gathers professionals from the dairy, deli, and bakery industries to network, explore new products, and engage in educational sessions. The show features an extensive exhibit floor where companies showcase the latest innovations, from cheeses to bakery goods and foodservice equipment. Key components include the New Product Showcase, expert-led presentations on trends and consumer behaviors, and networking opportunities for industry stakeholders. IDDBA 2025 will be held on June 1-3, 2025, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

As the bakery sector continues to evolve, these trends underscore the necessity for businesses to adapt swiftly to changing consumer demands and harness innovation to maintain competitiveness. IDDBA 2024 served as a vital forum for industry leaders to explore these emerging dynamics, offering invaluable insights to navigate the future landscape of the bakery industry effectively. Today, PastryStar mission is to enhance the culinary experience by helping you to take your products to the next level. We were delighted to take part in the IDDBA Trade Show 2024. See you next year!

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