top of page

Insight of the Day: Bakeries should not overlook the power of street food

Findings:

  • The UK food-to-go market, including street food, is growing, with a projected 3.5% growth in 2024. This segment offers significant opportunities for bakeries, particularly as many street food items are built around bakery products like brioche buns, baguettes, and tortillas.

  • The popularity of street food is driven by the demand for diverse, global flavors and the convenience it offers. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are enthusiastic about trying new cuisines and adventurous food combinations.

Key Takeaway:

Bakeries have a substantial opportunity to tap into the growing street food trend by offering innovative and high-quality bakery items that cater to the diverse and adventurous tastes of consumers. The choice of bread or bun is crucial in enhancing the overall street food experience.

Trend:

The primary trend is the rise of street food culture in the UK, characterized by an increasing demand for diverse, global flavors, and premium, innovative bakery products that serve as the foundation for popular street food items.

Consumer Motivation:

Consumers are motivated by:

  • Convenience: Street food offers a quick, easy, and flavorful meal option that fits into busy lifestyles.

  • Adventurous Eating: Particularly among younger generations like Gen Z, there is a strong desire to explore new and diverse cuisines.

  • Quality and Experience: There is a growing emphasis on the quality of ingredients, especially the bakery products that form the basis of many street food items.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Cultural Diversity: The UK's multicultural population drives the demand for global flavors and street food inspired by various cuisines.

  • Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify the popularity of street food by making it viral and appealing to a broad audience.

  • Consumer Preferences: The shift towards more premium and gourmet options, such as brioche buns and fusion dishes, reflects changing consumer tastes.

Who Are the People in the Article:

  • Industry Experts:

    • Michael Schofield (Marketing Manager, British Bakels)

    • Erwan Inizan (Northern European Sales Director, Bridor)

    • Sarah Boddy (Managing Director, St Pierre)

  • Consumers: Primarily younger, adventurous eaters, particularly Gen Z, who are eager to try new flavors and appreciate high-quality, innovative food offerings.

Description of Consumers and Products/Services:

  • Products/Services: The article focuses on bakery products like brioche buns, baguettes, and tortillas that serve as key components in street food offerings. These products are crucial for creating premium, gourmet street food experiences.

  • Consumer Age: The target consumers are mainly younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are tech-savvy, influenced by social media, and interested in trying new and diverse cuisines.

Conclusions:

Bakeries should not overlook the growing influence of street food in the UK food market. By focusing on quality, innovation, and aligning with the adventurous tastes of younger consumers, bakeries can position themselves to benefit from this trend.

Implications for Brands:

  • Innovation in Bakery Products: Bakeries should innovate with premium ingredients and unique bread types to cater to the street food market.

  • Collaboration with Street Food Vendors: Partnering with street food vendors or creating bakery items tailored for street food applications can help bakeries tap into this growing trend.

  • Leveraging Social Media: Brands should utilize social media platforms to showcase their products as part of popular street food dishes, capitalizing on viral trends.

Implications for Society:

  • Cultural Exchange Through Food: The rise of street food encourages cultural exchange and introduces consumers to a broader range of global cuisines.

  • Shift in Dining Preferences: There is a shift towards more informal, on-the-go dining experiences that emphasize convenience without sacrificing quality.

Big Trend Implied:

The big trend implied is the integration of high-quality, innovative bakery products into the street food culture, driven by consumer demand for convenience, diversity, and premium experiences. This trend reflects a broader societal shift towards embracing global flavors and more casual dining experiences.

Comments

Couldn’t Load Comments
It looks like there was a technical problem. Try reconnecting or refreshing the page.
bottom of page