Global Bread Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Bread Market Outlook

The global bread market size reached approximately USD 196.95 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.40% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of around USD 344.25 billion by 2032.

Bread is the most common and widely consumed baked food made from a mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The process of making bread involves mixing these ingredients to form a dough, allowing the dough to rise through fermentation, shaping it into the desired form, and then baking it in an oven. This basic process forms the foundation for various types of bread, each with its variations in ingredients, techniques, and flavours.

The basic ingredients of bread are flour, water, and a leavening agent (like yeast or baking soda). Salt is commonly added for flavour, and other ingredients such as fats, sugars, milk, and eggs can be included to alter the flavour and texture. Bread can be made from various types of flour, each imparting different flavours, textures, and nutritional profiles. Common types include wheat, rye, barley, corn, and rice flour.

Bread has been a fundamental part of human civilisation and culture. Its history is closely linked with the development of agriculture and the advancement of baking technology. Bread is primarily a source of carbohydrates. Whole grain breads also provide significant dietary fibre, proteins, and various micronutrients.

Key Trends in the Market

Growing demand for whole grain ingredients and ethnic varieties in bread

The desire for a broader range of bread, including ethnic varieties and whole-grain ingredients like oats, bran, and seeds, is one of the major factors supporting the global bread market demand. This reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards more diverse and healthy bread options. Consumers are increasingly seeking bread that not only caters to their cultural tastes but also aligns with their desire for nutrient-rich and wholesome ingredients.

Whole grains are known for their health benefits. They are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating oats, bran, and seeds into bread not only enhances its nutritional profile but also appeals to health-conscious consumers. With a growing awareness of dietary requirements and preferences, such as gluten sensitivities or the desire for low-carb options, consumers are seeking bread that fits their specific health needs.

As people become more exposed to different cultures, there's a rising interest in ethnic bread varieties. This includes traditional bread from various regions like Middle Eastern pita, Indian naan, Italian ciabatta, and Scandinavian rye bread. Consumers are increasingly looking for new flavours and textures, making ethnic bread an attractive option. These breads often come with unique histories and preparation methods, adding to their appeal.

Growth of e-commerce in the food and beverages sector

The rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector also supports the global bread market growth. Online platforms have enabled buyers to buy a wide range of food products and support manufacturers to gain a better understanding of consumer preferences. In addition, the growth of online platforms has propelled innovations in packaging, shipping, and delivery methods to ensure the quality of the products.

E-commerce enables bakeries and bread producers to reach a broader customer base, transcending geographical barriers. Consumers can access a variety of bread products from different regions or countries. The ability to order bread and bakery products online and have them delivered to one's doorstep is highly appealing, particularly for busy consumers or those with limited access to specialty stores.

E-commerce platforms provide an ideal marketplace for selling unique, ethnic, and artisan breads that might not be available in local stores, catering to diverse consumer tastes. These platforms collect consumer data, enabling businesses to target their marketing efforts more effectively, based on consumer preferences and buying habits.

Rising incorporation of vegan diets across the globe

The rise in the adoption of vegan diets is one of the crucial global bread market trends. The growing trend of plant-based diets has spurred the development of bread that is free from animal-derived ingredients. Plant-based bread often replaces dairy and egg components with alternatives like nut milk and flaxseed binders. This trend caters to vegans, vegetarians, and individuals seeking to reduce their animal product consumption.

Many people adopt vegan diets for health reasons, seeking foods that are lower in cholesterol and saturated fats. Vegan breads often align with these health goals, being made from whole grains and seeds, which are high in fibre and nutrients. The vegan diet is also seen as more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Producing plant-based foods typically requires fewer resources and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based products.

Global Bread Market Segmentation

Based on product type, the market is segmented into artisan bread and packaged bread, among others. On the basis of category, the market can be bifurcated into conventional and gluten-free. The market segmentation, based on distribution channel, includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist retailers, and online, among others. The major regional markets for bread are North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global bread market, covering their competitive landscape and the latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

• Associated British Foods Plc 

• Finsbury Food Group Plc 

• Grupo Bimbo 

• Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.,

• Campbell Soup Company

• Canada Bread Company, Limited 

• Flowers Foods, Inc. 

• Britannia Industries Ltd 

• HARRY-BROT GmbH 

• Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. 

• Warburtons Limited 

• Aryzta AG

• Others

Global Bread Market Share by Product Type

The growing preference for packaged bread is likely to aid the market expansion. The increasing demand for packaged bread can be attributed to its convenience, consistency, and affordability. Manufacturers have also introduced healthier versions of packaged bread made with whole wheat and seeds to target the health-conscious base of consumers.

Consumers have access to a wide range of options, including white, whole wheat, multi-grain, gluten-free, organic, and flavoured packaged breads. Advances in food preservation technologies have enabled longer shelf life without compromising quality with the help of packaged bread. 

Meanwhile, the demand for artisan bread has been growing steadily, driven by a variety of factors that reflect changing consumer preferences and broader food sector trends. Artisan breads are often made with natural, high-quality ingredients. Consumers seeking healthier options prefer these breads over those with artificial additives and preservatives.

Market Share by Region

According to the global bread market analysis, Europe holds a major share of the market. This can be attributed to the increasing inclination of consumers toward value-added, artisanal, ethnic, and freshly baked bread. The dynamics influencing bread consumption trends across Europe are notably interconnected with health considerations, the purchasing capabilities of different demographic segments, and the evolving lifestyle choices of consumers.

The rapid urbanisation in the Asia Pacific region leads to lifestyle changes, including dietary habits. Busy urban lifestyles favour convenient and quick meal options, boosting the demand for ready-to-eat bread products. The expanding middle class with rising disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations is driving the demand for diversified food products, including various types of bread.

Competitive Landscape

Associated British Foods Plc is a British multinational food processing and retail company. It operates across a range of business segments, making it a diversified company. Since the company’s foundation in the year 1935, it has developed a strong base in the international market with diversified businesses in the grocery, sugar, agriculture, and retail sectors.

Finsbury Food Group Plc is a UK-based bakery company that specialises in the production of a wide variety of bakery products.  The company is involved in producing a diverse selection of cakes, bread, bakery goods, and snacks under the private labels of major UK supermarkets, as well as for prominent high-street restaurant chains, hotels, and pubs.

Grupo Bimbo is a Mexican multinational bakery company, standing as a global leader in the sector, with a presence in over 30 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Established in 1945, the has built a reputation for its diverse range of baked goods, including bread, tortillas, cookies, cakes, and muffins, serving both consumers and food service establishments.

Other leading bread manufacturers include Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd., Campbell Soup Company, Canada Bread Company, Limited, Flowers Foods, Inc., Britannia Industries Ltd, HARRY-BROT GmbH, Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A., Warburtons Limited, and Aryzta AG, among others.

Key Highlights of the Report

Bread Market Report Snapshots

Bread Market Size

Bread Market Share

Bread Companies