Styles and techniques that were once only adopted by artisan bakeries are becoming more mainstream, allowing retailers to offer consumers nationwide quirky cakes at affordable prices, added the producer of own label, licensed and branded cakes and other ambient treats for retail.
The trends expected to dominate this year include:
Tall bakes
Adding perspective to cakes is going to be one of the biggest trends of 2022 and one of the ways retailers are doing this is by decreasing diameter but increasing height with multiple layers. Many are also opting for larger toppings, such as chocolate twirls, which add scale and form.
Premiumisation
From more extravagant flavours to eye-catching toppings, the demand for premium bakes is increasing as shoppers continue to recreate the dining out experience at home.
Textured finishes
A premium twist on the traditional will be the introduction of textured finishes, such as speckled or biscuit crumb. Not only does this create a more interesting eating experience, but it also makes the cake more visual.
“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen various techniques introduced to give the impression of premiumisation – for example, single drop cakes and ombre frosting – but this year, we’ll be seeing more decadent cakes on shelves nationwide,” said Alison Ordonez, head of NPD at BBF Limited.
“From double drips and statement chocolate curls to edible toppings inspired by nature, the importance of having cakes that are aesthetically pleasing has never been more important to consumers.
“What’s more, with many people across the country still choosing to steer away from dining out, we’re seeing an increase in consumers spending more on indulgent and premium products. This is allowing them to recreate the dining out experience in the comfort of their own home.”
Vegan and free from
As the requirements of consumers continue to evolve, the demand for vegan and free from celebration cakes will increase. This is driving a raft of new brands and own label products coming in to fill the gap and the categories are expected to become a major focus for retailers in 2022.
“Over the past 12 to 18 months, we’ve seen veganism become more mainstream with many brands active in the market. With this in mind, retailers will be increasingly focusing on offering mode indulgent and luxurious vegan and free from ranges during 2022,” said Ordonez.
BBF Limited annually produces more than 600 million cakes and desserts – across several categories, including celebration cakes, fruit pies and tarts, chocolate enrobed cakes, Christmas cakes and mince pies for a customer base of the UK’s most prominent retailers.
The company was acquired by private equity firm Endless in 2015, which brought in significant capital investment and enabled it to procure Greencore’s Cakes & Desserts Division in 2018, and Sargents Bakeries Limited last year.