Manufacturing giants Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK have become the latest members of the Federation of Bakers (FOB).
The new additions see the trade association now represent nearly two-thirds of the UK’s branded ambient bread (sliced wrapped) market, it said.
Other member companies include Délifrance, Fine Lady Bakeries, Geary’s Bakery, Irwin‘s Bakery, Jacksons Bakery, Kerry Foods, Roberts Bakery, and Warburtons – which collectively run a total of 32 bakeries nationwide.
FOB chief executive Andrew Pyne said the association was delighted to have Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK join them. “They are in good company and are among a number of other household bakery manufacturers who are already signed up,” he said.
“As membership grows we represent an increasingly significant proportion of the plant bakery industry and will continue to make sure their voices are heard, strengthening our value proposition.”
Founded in 1935 and still run by the Weston family, Allied Bakeries produces well-known bread brands Kingsmill, Allinson’s, and Sunblest. Allied Bakeries UK & Ireland manager director Chris Craig noted that the company was also a trusted partner for many supermarket own-brand wrapped and in-store bakery ranges.
“Fresh, wrapped bread is a nutritious and affordable staple enjoyed daily by nine out of 10 households in the UK and by enabling a collective voice for our industry, the Federation of Bakers fulfils an important role in maintaining the nation’s food security,” he added.
Meanwhile, Grupo Bimbo UK is part of the world’s largest bakery manufacturer, a Mexican-owned business with operations across more than 200 bakeries in 33 countries. Having first arrived in the UK in 2017 via the acquisition of foodservice supplier East Balt Bakeries, the company now supplies products from bagel brand New York Bakery Co, snack brand Takis, and brioche specialist St Pierre, which it bought in October last year.
“We are looking forward to working with the Federation of Bakers and the wider bakery industry on issues that really matter to the people that work within it,” said Jon Smythe, managing director at Grupo Bimbo UK.
“As part of the world’s largest bakery business, and a key supplier to the UK Bakery Market of great quality products every day, we recognise our responsibility to support the industry and are delighted to become members of the Federation of Bakers to help ensure the voice of our sector is heard.”
In addition to its core membership, the FOB also has 26 current associate members including AB Mauri, ADM Milling, Baker Perkins, British Bakels, CSM Ingredients, Lesaffre, Puratos, and Zeelandia, to name a few.
No comments yet