FDBusiness.com

Two of the nations‘ largest bakery manufacturers, Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK, have joined the Federation of Bakers (FOB). With the addition of these new members, the Federation now represents nearly 2/3 of the UK’s branded ambient bread (sliced wrapped) market. The FOB‘s other member companies include Delifrance, Fine Lady Bakeries, Geary’s Bakery, Irwin‘s Bakery, Jacksons Bakery, Kerry Foods, Roberts Bakery and Warburtons – which collectively run 32 bakeries in the United Kingdom.

Andrew Pyne, Chief Executive of the Federation of Bakers, says: “We are delighted to see two more of the nation’s leading bakeries, Allied Bakeries and Grupo Bimbo UK, join the Federation. They are in good company and are among a number of other household bakery manufacturers who are already signed up. 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, Allied Bakeries is a national UK bakery that makes household favourites Kingsmill, Allinson’s and Sunblest. While Grupo Bimbo UK is part of the largest global bakery manufacturing business. The Mexican owned Grupo Bimbo has operations across more than 200 bakeries in 33 countries.

Chris Craig, Allied Bakeries UK & Ireland  Manager Director, comments: “Allied Bakeries is delighted to be joining the Federation of Bakers. We‘re the name behind some of the UK’s most loved bakery brands as well as being the 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 9 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. We look forward to working with them.“

Jon Smythe, Managing Director at Grupo Bimbo UK, adds: “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. 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.”

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.