Current trends will challenge the bakery industry

Chicago / IL. (tni) Both the bakery- and coffee cafe segments have opportunities to maintain their growth, though brands must adapt to shifts in consumer behaviour. Technomic’s 2018 Bakery + Coffee Cafe Consumer Trend Report reveals that health trends are pushing consumers toward better-for-you items at the center of cafe menus, such as soups and salads. But at the same time, these trends are pushing consumers away from sugary treats and drinks commonly associated with bakeries and cafes. Likewise, a shift toward more off-premise occasions can benefit cafes with a grab-and-go focus as well as those that offer delivery service.

«Despite some recent headwinds caused by increased competition and shifting consumer demands, bakery- and coffee cafes are still well-positioned for growth», explains Charles Winship, senior research analyst at Technomic. «However, cafes must be willing to evolve with a growing emphasis on functional offerings, new technology that enhances convenience and operational flexibility to satisfy consumers’ various need states». Key takeaways from the report include:

• 25 percent of consumers visit bakery cafes at least once a week and 35 percent visit coffee cafes at least once a week.
• 54 percent of bakery-cafe consumers visit these locations more so for their food or a specific food product, while 25 percent visit more so for their beverages or a particular beverage.
• 44 percent of coffee cafe consumers say they are loyal to a specific cafe because it serves their preferred coffee.