ew research from Mintel finds that volume sales in the UK of small cakes (139 million kilograms in 2012) have now overtaken large cakes (116 million kilograms in 2012), with a market share of 44% and 37% respectively.Mintel’s research on the UK cake market reveals that volume sales of small cakes grew by 19% between 2011 and 2012, to reach a market value of £492 million in 2012. Volume sales of large cakes shrank by 3% over the same two year period (down from 120 million kilograms in 2011 to 116 million kilograms in 2012), with a market value of £390 million.
Mintel believes there is further scope for growth in small cakes, as today, one in four (24%) British consumers who eat or buy cakes say they would like to see more cake sold in individual portions.
“The proliferation of sharing formats in other categories such as chocolate confectionery and biscuits has spurred cake manufacturers into action, with new product development in small cakes easily dominating the market, and sales in the sector enjoying an unrivalled boost in volume,” said Emma Clifford, senior food analyst at Mintel. “The fact that the market share of small cakes – such as muffins and cake bars – has now exceeded that of the larger variety, reflects the role smaller cakes have forged in modern snacking lifestyles.”
Mintel’s research also reveals muffins are now getting a slice of the action with sweet muffins enjoying a 55% volume increase, up from 22 million kilograms in 2011 to 34 million kilograms in 2012, and market value increasing 9% over the same two year period to reach £61 million in 2012.
In terms of consumer consumption, 51% of Brits have eaten pre-packaged cakes baked in-store (e.g. muffins), vs 47% who have eaten individual cakes (e.g. cupcakes, tarts).
“The rapid growth in volume sales for sweet muffins can be partly attributed to the prevalence of mini muffins tapping into the bite-size trend and sharing occasions,” continued Clifford.
But while small cakes and cake bars flourish, the British are also increasingly turning to baking their own at home. Indeed, when asked the reason why they are not buying cakes and cake bars as often, one in five (20%) adults claim that they prefer to make their own cakes at home. Home baking in general has experienced something of a revival, driven by the economic downturn and the popularity of TV cooking shows, with market value up by 59% between 2007 and 2012 to reach an estimated £1.7 billion in 2012. Moreover, more than a quarter (75%) of bakers claim to enjoy baking, and around four in ten (41%) want to learn how to improve their baking.
Manufacturers have been quick to respond to consumer baking enthusiasm, according to Mintel. In the UK, launches of baking ingredients and mixes posted 100% growth between 2009 and 2012, and the UK now ranks second in Europe for new product launches in this category, accounting for 14% of all NPD activity in Europe in the category in 2012, just after Germany (17%), and ahead of France (13%), Italy (10%) and Spain (8%).
Mintel’s research also shows that products such as ready-made pastries and prepared mixes and even ready-to-bake products are likely to appeal to time-pressed consumers, with 40% of new product launches boasting “ease of use” claims in 2012.
Despite the high popularity of cakes – just 6% of the UK population haven’t eaten cakes and cake bars in the last six months – health concerns and cost reasons remain high on the public agenda, topping the list of potential purchasing barriers. The biggest concern is the level of sugar and fat in cakes, noted by one in three Brits (34%), while 22% prefer healthier snacks (e.g. fresh or dried fruit and nuts). In terms of economic concerns, a third (32%) of consumers consider cakes and cake bars to be overpriced, with one in four (23%) saying this is an area they have cut back on to save money; this sentiment is significantly higher among women (26% women vs 19% men).
