Walk into any local bakery and you’ll find more than just bread and cakes- you’ll find stories, traditions, and a genuine love of the craft. In a world where convenience is king and mass production reigns, there’s something quietly powerful about a business that still takes pride in its process, its people, and its products…
Small, independent bakeries bring a kind of magic that supermarkets simply can’t replicate. From hand-finished pastries to artisan loaves baked with care, these are the places where quality comes first, and every product has a personal touch.
Local bakeries are the heartbeat of their communities. They’re the friendly face on a Monday morning, the smell of something sweet on your lunch break or the memory of birthday cakes past.
And in recent years, despite everything thrown their way, small bakeries haven’t just survived, they’ve flourished! Driven by passion, creativity, and a deep belief that great baking still matters, many have continued to grow and thrive. In fact, 35% of the UK's small bakeries opened their doors since 2022!
Of course, it’s not easy! Rising costs, staffing pressures, and ever-changing customer habits are daily realities. Many bakers are working longer hours, wearing multiple hats, and navigating tough choices just to keep the doors open. And despite the challenges, confidence is high because over 80% of bakers surveyed said that they were confident their business would remain viable over the coming years. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of baking doesn’t just lie in big brands!
Small bakery owners have shown remarkable resilience - getting creative with their offerings, tweaking menus to reduce waste, and finding new ways to connect with their customers. They’ve adapted, they’ve innovated, and they’ve done it all with heart.
At BAKO, we believe in the power of local. We’re proud to support the small bakeries that bring joy, flavour, and individuality to high streets across the UK. Whether it’s providing the best ingredients at the best prices, labour-saving finished goods, or insight to help you stay ahead, we’re here to help you do what you do best - bake brilliant things!
For great value and a wide choice of quality products, give us a call on 0808 196 2344
*Bell, E. (2022) Sustaining Small Bakery Businesses: Looking to the future in challenging times. Milton Keynes: The Open University. ISBN: 978-1-4730-3777-9
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