UK bakery market

The UK Bakery market is worth £5 billion and is one of the largest markets in the food industry. Total volume at present is approximately just under 4 billion units; the equivalent of almost 11 million loaves and packs sold every single day.

Slices of Bread 

There are three principal sectors that make up the UK baking industry:

  • Large plant bakeries
  • In-Store bakeries
  • Craft bakers

The larger (plant) baking companies produce around 85% of bread sold in the UK. In-store bakeries (ISBs) within supermarkets produce about 12% and high street retail (craft) bakers produce the rest.

Market share of UK bread production by value and volume

% by value % by volume
Large plant bakers 75 85
In-store bakeries 20 12
Craft bakers 5 3
100 100

Source: Gira

Due to the short shelf life, the majority of the bread sold in the UK is produced here. The 3 main manufacturers (Allied Bakeries, Hovis & Warburtons) account for nearly three-quarters of the Wrapped Sliced Bread sold.

For more information on the UK Bakery Market please download our Factsheet No. 3 – The British Bakery Market