The year 2021 is well underway, and bakeries are focusing on making the most of this unique year for all of us. Another way to retain existing customers and attract new ones is to stay at the forefront of trends that shape their tastes and choices. We\u2019ve studied some of the top trends and turned them into actionable insights you can use when designing your new approach to boost sales.<\/p>\r\n
Sweet Indulgences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Using a sweet treat as a reward is nothing new. During the challenging conditions of COVID-19, our desire to \u201cescape\u201d has increased. About 25% of people turn to comfort food (foods or sweets that impact the emotions and make us feel good) and 15% to indulgent sweets. With this increase in consumption and an emphasis on enjoyment, it\u2019s essential to have such products on your menu. Experiment with new textures and premium or \u201cexotic\u201d ingredients that give your customers a stress-free moment of indulgence.<\/p>\r\n Visual Appeal & Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\r\n The visual appearance of products is a top criterion for consumers choosing a bakery or patisserie item. Adding decorations, bright colors, or various shades can transform a product from average to fully \u201cInstagramable.\u201d Over 39% of consumers now photograph and post products they purchase online when impressed by them. They may also leave a review or rating for your store, attracting new customers! Make sure your products\u2019 appearance captivates them.<\/p>\r\n 70% of consumers say that posts or reviews from friends and family influence their purchasing decisions.<\/p>\r\n Keep It Simple<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Always focus on what you do best. Don\u2019t try to do too many things at once. Are you known for your sourdough bread? Ensure you maintain its quality and flavor. Do customers come for your cakes? Think about how to improve or evolve them with new flavors and designs, leveraging 2021 trends and promoting daily or weekly specials. Give your customers what they love, and they\u2019ll keep coming back for more.<\/p>\r\n Supporting Local Businesses<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Small businesses of all types struggled in 2020 and continue to face similar, if not more challenging, conditions in 2021. To help offset this, consumers are increasingly supporting local businesses. Trends show that consumers care about the origin of the food they consume and the story behind it. Bakeries have the opportunity to share their history with customers. Did your grandparents start the bakery? Do you use family recipes passed down through generations? Take time to develop and share your story in-store and on social media. Customers will be happy to support your efforts to help local businesses thrive.<\/p>\r\n Health Is More Relevant Than Ever<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Consumers are seeking healthier food options that do not contain additives or artificial ingredients and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are even willing to pay more for such products. This trend has gained new significance since 2020, with health and safety being top priorities for most consumers. In fact, 29% of surveyed consumers said that changes in their purchasing behaviors were focused on healthier products with longer shelf life, and 43% plan to continue buying health and wellness products even after the pandemic ends.<\/p>\r\n What does this mean for your bakery? Invest in products free from additives, artificial flavors, and colors. You can also experiment with healthier ingredients such as multigrain flours, spelt, rye, or even gluten-free options. Fillings from fruits, superfoods, seeds, or nuts\u2014the list is endless. Also, make sure to communicate the high nutritional value of your products with clear labeling.<\/p>\r\n Shifting part of your production to products that make consumers feel safer about their food choices is a smart move for 2021!<\/p>\r\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Datassential \u2013 COVID-19 One Table Operator Report, May 2020<\/p>\r\n IELKA<\/p>\r\n Nielsen BASES \u2013 Winning with Innovation During the Crisis, May 2020<\/p>\r\n At Loulis Mills<\/strong>, for seven generations, we have always supported industry professionals, aiming for their continuous education, development, and updates. Subscribe to our newsletter here to be the first to receive useful articles, industry news, and information on recipes and products that interest you!<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2203,"template":"","class_list":["post-4451","useful_articles","type-useful_articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n