Brits have developed a big appetite for American-style pancakes, according to foodservice distributor Central Foods.

Ahead of American Independence Day on 4th July, the company has revealed that sales of its American Pancakes have grown 74.3% over the past five years, and that more than five million individual pancakes were sold in the UK last year.

“We knew our Crepe Cuisine pancakes were going down well with foodservice operators but were staggered when we realised just how many we’d sold during 2016,” said Central Foods managing director Gordon Lauder.

“The trend for American pancakes shows no sign of waning and we’re expecting customers to continue tucking into them for the foreseeable future.”

Pancakes were a good fit for several of 2017’s food trends, according to Central Foods, which recently started working with Addo Food Group to help the pastry supplier grow its foodservice presence.

“Pancakes tap into the comfort food trend - known as the taste of yesterday trend, providing memories of childhood. In these uncertain political times, it’s a trend that’s going down well in foodservice,” said Lauder.

“Another of the trends for 2017 is an upsurge in the use of sweet versions of savoury products and savoury versions of sweet products, so it’s something imaginative operators can consider with pancakes, which provide a great base for different toppings.”

Grupo Bimbo, which is a popular baking company in the US, recently launched its Hazelnut & Cocoa Pancakes as part of its Little Adventures range in the UK market.