MAGAZINE

Spring Has Sprung… and Bakery is Blooming Brilliant

As I write this, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it truly feels like spring has arrived—perfect timing for our spring issue. There’s a renewed sense of energy in the air, and nowhere is that more evident than in the bakery sector, where seasonality continues to inspire creativity, innovation and, of course, irresistible products.

With Easter just around the corner, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing bakery windows and social media feeds come alive with seasonal creations. From traditional favourites to modern twists, Easter remains one of the most visually exciting and commercially important moments in the bakery calendar. It’s a time when craftsmanship, colour and indulgence come together, offering bakers a fantastic opportunity to engage customers and drive sales.

This issue is packed with timely features to help you make the most of the months ahead. With National Doughnut Week only a few weeks away, we shine a spotlight on one of the industry’s most enduring success stories. Our doughnut feature explores the key trends shaping the category for 2026, while also examining why the humble doughnut continues to be one of the best-selling bakery items across retail and foodservice. Whether it’s premiumisation, flavour innovation or social media appeal, the doughnut shows no signs of slowing down.

We also delve into the ever-evolving food-to-go sector, a space that continues to present significant growth opportunities for bakeries of all sizes. As consumer habits shift and convenience remains king, our feature looks at how bakeries can adapt their offer to stay relevant and competitive in this fast-moving market.

Elsewhere, our malts and improvers feature explores how these versatile ingredients are helping bakers enhance flavour, texture and shelf life, while also supporting efficiency and consistency in production. Meanwhile, our ovens feature takes a closer look at one of the most critical investments in any bakery operation, examining the latest innovations and considerations when it comes to performance, energy use and long-term value.

Alongside these features, you’ll find our regular legal and compliance insights, helping you stay informed in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, as well as our Crafty Baker pages, celebrating the skill, passion and ingenuity that define this industry.

We’re also pleased to bring you a preview of the upcoming spring conference from the British Society of Baking, including a look at the speaker line-up and what promises to be an engaging and insightful event for professionals across the sector. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Happy Easter!