WHEN consumers think barbie they very often also think burgers. And that, says bakery brand giant Warburtons, makes a good supply of rolls essential for retailers who want to capitalise on good barbecue weather.
Quoting Nielsen Research the firm says it is number one brand of wrapped rolls, with 22.9% of the market and over 50m units sold in 12 months. Warburtons eight-pack white rolls is also the best-selling branded product in the category, making them a favourite with consumers, it says.
But it stresses that several other of its bakery products are also showing growth and argues that barbecue weather will encourage demand for many different lines that suit hand-held meals and snacks.
Nielsen figures have also shown Warburtons White Bread increasing unit sales thanks mainly to growing sales of Warburtons Toastie loaf which sold 115m units in the 12 months to late February.
And the Warburtons Thin Bagels range, which launched last April, has now become the fourth most popular product in the bagel market, after selling 6m units since launch, the firm says.
• The boom in gourmet burger restaurants is heightening interest in premium burger buns, reckons thaw and serve and bake-off specialist Lantmännen UK.
The firm’s marketing manager Rachel Shoosmith said its range of gourmet burger buns includes its Americana Brioche Bun, its Gourmet Burger Bun with a kaiser cut, and its Light Sourdough Gourmet Bun – all included in its Americana range.
The buns are supplied pre-sliced, frozen and only require defrosting before serving – designed to be quick and easy for c-stores to prepare, with minimal wastage.
She suggests stores should recommended current popular fillings, such as pulled pork, fiery chilli and blue cheese to inspire consumers.
