Offering customers a wide range of baked products is a simple, cost-effective way for independent retailers to attract new shoppers and increase basket spend at lunchtime.

This is according to Zoe Taphouse, category director at Allied Bakeries, who said bakery foods represent 55% of in-home and 65% of lunchbox uses, offering retailers a key opportunity to capitalise and increase sales.

“Lunch is a particularly important meal occasion for the wrapped bakery category, with a third of all bakery goods being eaten at lunchtime, either at home or on the go, compared to 18% of all other times,” she said.

Meanwhile, Paul Whitely, head of marketing UK at Aryzta Food Solutions, said in-store bakery shoppers spend more than average shoppers and shop more frequently, thus offering retailers a way to increase profit.

“On average, an in-store bakery can generate an extra £51 per shopper per month for retailers,” he said.