Scottish Bakers has unveiled its 2026 manifesto, including a call on the government to help secure the economic success of bakeries in Scotland.
The document outlines a strategic roadmap created by the trade body to protect and grow a sector that contributes £1bn to the Scottish economy and supports 12,000 jobs across the region.
Despite the baking industry’s positioning as an economic and community powerhouse, it currently faces a ‘perfect storm’ of rising ingredient costs, labour shortages, and surging business rates, noted Scottish Bakers.
As such, the manifesto issues an urgent call to all political parties across Scotland and the UK to recognise the sector as a critical cultural and economic asset that requires targeted intervention.
“The Scottish bakery sector is a cornerstone of our national identity and a vital driver for our economy,” commented Scottish Bakers CEO Lesley Cameron. “From the local high street baker to our national icons, this sector feeds the nation every day.”
Under the title ‘Rising Together’, the manifesto is built upon three core pillars designed to ensure Scotland’s food heritage remains a global leader while serving local communities: Sustainable & Local Production, A Flourishing Workforce, and A Fair Business Environment.
It can be read in full for free here.
Cameron said the manifesto is an invitation to policymakers to partner with the association. “By investing in local milling capacity, reforming apprenticeship funding, and ensuring a fair tax environment, we can protect local jobs and ensure the craft of baking continues to flourish for generations to come,” she added.
With over 600 companies and 1,800 retail outlets, the Scottish bakery sector accounts for a fifth of all Scottish food and drink manufacturing turnover. Beyond the numbers, the industry is a leader in social mobility, delivering 500 apprenticeships annually with higher-than-average completion rates for care-experienced individuals and those with learning difficulties.
Scottish Bakers recently hosted a competition at Fife College in Dunfermline to create the world’s biggest empire biscuit. Held as part of the launch of a new-look Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026, the event saw bakery chain Harry Gow emerge victorious for its 78-inch biscuit behemoth.
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