Co-op Wholesale is introducing new premium lines to its in-store bakery (ISB) range supplied to independent retailers.
At the same time, the ISB solution is being heralded by shop operators for helping to boost footfall, increase basket spend, and achieve high margins.
Among the new additions to Co-op Wholesale’s ISB line-up for 2025 are Mediterranean Focaccia, which was first debuted on its Irresistible range in 2022, and Blueberry, Lemon & White Chocolate Cookies, which were part of its latest summer season launches this year. The growing ISB range is designed to help retailers deliver a fresh, high-quality proposition with minimal complexity, noted the company.
Freshly baked goods continue to be a major driver of shopper visits and loyalty, with many consumers actively choosing where to shop based on the quality and appeal of a store’s bakery offer.
According to Circana 2024 data, the bakery category now makes up 31% of Co-op’s convenience retail sales. The ISB model supplied by Co-op Wholesale is said to combine premium products with expert guidance on ranging and merchandising, end-to-end support, and a high-quality POS system. It also maximises available space and existing facilities.
“An in-store bakery doesn’t just add to your offer – it elevates the entire store experience,” commented Leigh Cobden, wholesale category controller at Co-op Wholesale. “We’ve developed a scalable, flexible solution that delivers consistent results. From improved margins to increased footfall and shopper satisfaction, the benefits are clear – and we’re proud to offer a model that makes great bakery achievable for every independent.”
Retailers already using the model are seeing significant results. Valerie Aston, director at Proudfoot Group, has transformed the performance of her site in the Newby area of Scarborough following the installation of a Co-op ISB during a major refit earlier this year. “We’ve gone from turning over around £500 a week in bakery sales to over £2,000,” she said. “The range, the pricing, the quality – it’s transformed our offer. Customers love it.”
In other ISB news, M&S Food has installed a Coffee Bakery concept at each of its 12 new stores, while Asda has rolled out a new single serve pastry and cake fixture at 109 of its supermarkets.
No comments yet