Bread Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The global bread market is anticipated to grow significantly, with projections indicating it will reach US$ 330.81 billion by 2031, up from US$ 249.27 billion in 2024. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.

Across the globe, companies in the bread sector are witnessing a notable increase in demand, primarily driven by consumers' growing inclination towards convenience and ready-to-eat food options. The fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers, coupled with the need for quick and easy meal solutions, has resulted in a marked increase in bread consumption. Factors that enhance convenience, such as simple preparation, extended shelf life, and portability, contribute to the popularity of bread among various demographics. Furthermore, the diverse range of bread products available?including loaves, sandwich bread, baguettes, and burger buns?addresses the varied preferences and dietary needs of consumers.

Ready-to-eat bread products significantly reduce the time and effort involved in meal preparation, offering the added benefit of easy storage. According to the 2023 Food and Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council, a survey of 1,022 American adults aged 18-80 revealed that 61% identified convenience as a key factor influencing their food purchasing decisions in 2023, an increase from 56% in 2022. The rise in preprocessed food consumption allows consumers to minimize the time spent on cooking and baking, leading to a surge in sales for bakeries and bread manufacturers. This trend has prompted these businesses to broaden their product lines to meet evolving consumer demands. Consequently, the growing preference for convenience and ready-to-eat options is a significant driver of the global bread market's expansion. As the market continues to develop, manufacturers are expected to innovate further to satisfy the changing tastes and requirements of consumers in the future.

The market is categorized by product type, which includes sandwich bread, brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, baguettes, panini and focaccia bread, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, and other varieties. In 2024, the sandwich bread segment is projected to dominate the market share. This segment primarily encompasses soft, sliced bread and loaves that are commonly used for sandwiches, toast, and other quick meal options, making it a staple in households, cafes, and quick service restaurants (QSRs). The enduring popularity of sandwich bread can be attributed to its versatility in accommodating various flavors, fillings, and culinary uses, ensuring a steady demand. Its appeal is further enhanced by the availability of different types, including plain, whole-grain, multigrain, and gluten-free options. Manufacturers are also focusing on producing innovative, fortified versions of bread that are enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers to meet the increasing demand for functional and healthier food choices.

Several key players in the bread market include Lantmannen Unibake, Rich Products Corp, La Brea Bakery, Flowers Foods Inc, Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Fiera Foods Company, La Lorraine Bakery Group, EUROPASTRY, SA, B?ckerhaus Veit GmbH, Schripps European Bread, Vandemoortele NV, Upper Crust, FGF Brands Inc, VIVESCIA, and Conagra Brands Inc, among others. These companies are dedicated to delivering innovative and health-conscious products at competitive prices to meet consumer demands.

The overall size of the bread market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methodologies. The research process commenced with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data relevant to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry stakeholders to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this research included industry experts such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the bread market.