Whether center-of-store or along the perimeter in the fresh bakery section, sweet goods are on the rise. According to the 2017 “What’s in Store” report from the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, in-store bakeries have experienced much success over the past five years, soaring 51 percent in total annual sales to reach $15.7 billion dollars, enjoying a 7.9 percent increase in the past year alone. While these departments certainly contain staples like bread, it’s sweet goods that arguably account for its success, with Nielsen estimating that about 50 percent of the offerings are desserts.
In the center aisle, sweet goods like pastries, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and muffins are also experiencing growth.