Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK will be joining a stellar lineup of members, including, among others, Delifrance, Fine Lady Bakeries, Geary’s Bakery, Irwin‘s Bakery, Jacksons Bakery, Kerry Foods, Roberts Bakery and Warburtons - which collectively manage 32 of the nation’s biggest bakery plants and make up the majority of the UK’s branded ambient (sliced, wrapped) bread market, morning goods and other bread products.
The FOB was formed in 1942 to assist in organising wartime production and distribution of bread. Today, according to the FOB, the UK’s bread and bakery sector is worth £5bn at retail sales value; employing more than 75,000 people and supplying 80% of the bread and bakery products consumed by Brits - the equivalent of almost 11 million loaves and packs sold every day.
“We are delighted to see two more of the nation’s leading bakeries, Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK, join the Federation,” said Andrew Pyne, FOB’s CEO.
“They are in good company and are among a number of other household bakery manufacturers who are already signed up.
“As membership grows, we represent an increasingly significant proportion of the plant bakery industry and will continue to make sure their voices are heard, strengthening our value proposition.”
Important role
Allied Bakeries - along with its sister company Allied Mills - have been involved in the UK’s bread sector since 1935, founded by bakery entrepreneur Willard Garfield Weston. The group is the foundation of Associated British Foods - a global PLC - but still run by the Weston family.
The company creates some of the nation’s favourite bakery products, including top 10 grocery brand Kingsmill, Allinson’s and Sunblest.
“We‘re the name behind some of the UK’s most loved bakery brands as well as being the trusted partner for many supermarket own-brand wrapped and instore bakery ranges,” said Chris Craig, MD, Allied Bakeries UK & Ireland.
“Fresh, wrapped bread is a nutritious and affordable staple enjoyed daily by 9 out of 10 households in the UK and by enabling a collective voice for our industry the Federation of Bakers fulfils an important role in maintaining the nation’s food security. We look forward to working with them.“
Issues that really matter
Grupo Bimbo UK was formed in 2017 following the acquisition of East Balt Bakeries - one of the leading companies in the QSR industry - by Mexican bakery giant Grupo Bimbo, which manages more than 200 bakeries in 33 countries.
“We are looking forward to working with the Federation of Bakers and the wider bakery industry on issues that really matter to the people that work within it,” said Jon Smythe, MD, Grupo Bimbo UK.
“As part of the world’s largest bakery business and a key supplier to the UK bakery market of great quality products every day, we recognise our responsibility to support the industry and are delighted to become members of the Federation of Bakers to help ensure the voice of our sector is heard.”
The Federation of Bakers currently lists 26 associate members, among which are AB Mauri, ADM Milling, Baker Perkins, British Bakels, CSM Ingredients, Lesaffre, Puratos and Zeelandia, to name a few.
