Rise Baking Company, a major supplier to the North American bakery industry, has released its strategic outlook for 2026. The report outlines the critical consumer behaviours and marketplace dynamics expected to shape the in-store bakery (ISB) and foodservice sectors in the coming year.
Rise Baking Company, a major supplier to the North American bakery industry, has released its strategic outlook for 2026. The report outlines the critical consumer behaviours and marketplace dynamics expected to shape the in-store bakery (ISB) and foodservice sectors in the coming year.
According to Michael Docherty, EVP Marketing and R&D, the year ahead will be defined by a balancing act between "premium experiences" and formats that simplify retail operations. "The year ahead will be defined by premium experiences, everyday indulgences, changes in shopping behaviours, and formats that make it easier for retailers," Docherty noted.
Premium Indulgence Anchors Demand
Despite a value-conscious economic environment, Rise identifies "indulgence" as a resilient trend—provided the quality justifies the price point. Consumers are gravitating toward items that offer "outstanding taste, craveable textures, and eye-catching visual appeal."
Key Products: Kitchen Sink Cookies, Pistachio Muffins, Birthday Cake Crispy Bars.
Strategy: Combining nostalgic flavours with layered textures to create sensory experiences that feel like a permissible treat.
Size Variety Driving Impulse Sales
Shifting demographics—including smaller households, solo dining, and calorie consciousness—are driving demand for varied portion sizes. Citing Technomic data, Rise notes that impulse purchasing remains a leading driver for categories like cookies.
Versatility in format is identified as a major revenue opportunity:
Grab-and-Go: Individually wrapped cookies and snack pies for immediate consumption.
Shareable: Pre-cut cake squares and mini bundt cakes for take-home occasions.
Strategy: Using size variety to increase check averages through add-on sales at the checkout or bakery case.
Labour-Saving Operational Solutions
With labour shortages continuing to pressure the industry, efficiency remains paramount. Rise highlights the growing reliance on semi-finished products that reduce prep time without compromising quality.
Technology: Rise’s Fast Pan® technology streamlines high-volume cookie production.
Decorating Efficiency: Solutions like base-iced layers and pre-cut iced squares allow decorators to finish up to 2.5 times more cakes in the same timeframe, freeing up skilled labour for high-value finishing touches.
Rapid Innovation and LTOs
The pace of flavour innovation is accelerating, fueled by social media trends that extend flavours like s'mores, cookie butter, and pumpkin beyond their traditional seasonal windows. Rise advises retailers to utilise Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) and distinctive decorations to create "destinations for discovery" within the bakery aisle.
The Push for Clean Labels
Transparency is becoming a non-negotiable factor for purchase decisions. In response to evolving regulatory standards and consumer preferences for recognisable ingredients, Rise has announced a significant corporate commitment.
2026 Commitment: The company aims to offer solutions made with colours from natural sources across its entire portfolio by the end of 2026. This builds on existing clean-label lines like Simplicious muffins, positioning the supplier as a partner for retailers transitioning to cleaner ingredient decks.
