Puratos UK Sales Director Lee Burnside discusses how we can help each other in the Scottish bakery market during and after Covid
The Scottish market is mirroring what is happening across the whole of the UK with bread and rolls in high demand. During these unprecedented times bakers are adapting to meet the needs of the consumers and to keep their businesses going.
As Lee Burnside, Sales Director for Artisan, Distributor & Industrial channel at Puratos explains, “We have seen many bakers across the country adopt different approaches to maintain revenue and support their local community, either through selling flour, yeast & eggs to consumers or using sandwich delivery vans to make deliveries of bread and/or create a mobile shop.
"These challenging times are creating ‘new’ thinking which will be healthy for the industry long term”
“Fresh patisserie sales are declining with consumers still wanting to have a treat but opting for longer life, individual products rather than fresh sharing options that they can keep in the cupboards.
The Empire biscuit and the national favourite the ‘Snowball’ are continuing to sell well, showing that consumers are looking for familiar and trusted products that give them comfort. This is proving evident also within bakery as Scotch rolls and potato scones are continuing to sell out - at Puratos we are seeing up to a 20% rise with some customers for ingredients to make these lines.”
“As the initial panic buying begins to subside consumers are consciously looking for healthier items such as breads that are high in fibre, wholegrains and seeds to try to maintain healthy lifestyles throughout this period.”
“Consumers have opened their minds to alternative products and brands as their usual products have become unavailable causing an inevitable shift in brand loyalty – opening up new opportunities for the future.”
“As long-term suppliers into the Scottish market, it is our promise during these uncertain times to remain a reliable partner to our customers. Our sales & technical support team remain at the disposal of our customers to help them solve the problems of today and also provide alternative solutions to address challenges as a result of Covid-19 and we are committed to being ready with them when we come out the other side” says Lee Burnside.
"These challenging times are creating ‘new’ thinking which will be healthy for the industry long term"
