Nothing says the holidays like gingerbread, pies, panettone, and decorated sugar cookies. Offering customers fresh desserts they can bring home to enjoy with their friends and family can set your restaurant or bakery apart from the competition. And being in the know about the latest dessert trends can help.
The marketing trends of the holidays have a significant impact on what the most popular sweet treats are. What’s hot and trending in the bakery world is affected by several different factors. Customers want a warmer flavor profile to bring a sense of comfort into their homes. Some popular flavors include butterscotch, salted caramel, cookie butter, s’mores, and more. Any bakery treat that leans into the warm and cozy feel of the holidays is sure to do well.
The bakery trends in 2022 are leaning towards items that offer out-of-the-ordinary experiences and decadence to customers. The industry is also seeking out bakery goods with unique textures. It might be necessary to think outside the box this year to keep up with the baking trends for this holiday season but following the market trends and keeping up with what is fresh and hot in the bakery world will be beneficial.
The donut industry is one of the leading corners of the baking world. In 2021 the global donut market was estimated to be worth $15.78 billion. In 2022 there will be an estimated 204.51 million consumers of donuts in the United States alone, with the average American consuming about 31 donuts per year. The projection for 2024, based on the number of consumers in 2022 and 2023, will increase to 207.31 million.
Donuts are not just a sweet treat for the occasional snack. Donuts make up 36.5% of breakfast bakery items in the United States. 46% of donut lovers enjoy them at least once, and many a few times a month or sometimes more.
You might be surprised to learn that the average age of donut consumers is 30-49, and 87% of consumers purchase donuts in major chain restaurants. The most popular flavor is the classic glazed donut, the number one choice in 15 states. Donuts are undoubtedly one of the most loved bakery treats in the industry. You will not regret the choice to include them on your bakery menu.
In the grocery store, you will find cookies in multiple locations. In the snack aisle, the bakery aisle, and the health foods section, if you are looking for sugar-free or keto cookies. When it comes to sweet bakery treats, they are a go-to option for many consumers.
Ending in April of 2022, the previous 52 weeks showed a market increase of 5.1% in the cookie category. Interest in cookies is rising, and you shouldn’t miss out on this upswing in the trend. You can customize cookies to fit the needs of the season. Make sure you are offering seasonal flavors that lean into the warm and cozy flavors currently trending and having cookies in your bakery will turn you a profit.
Your bakery display can affect how well your items sell, regardless of how closely you follow the market trends. You can drive sales by showing off your seasonal bakery items in a display case that will give your sweet treats the right amount of appeal. A significant benefit of having a bakery merchandiser is showing off the desserts that have been created. People eat with their eyes first so putting the treats in Federal’s Italian-Style Display cases helps bring in more people, enhance the customer experience, and increase impulse buys.