Baking & Snack - May 2024 - 39

TRENDS
Buns & Rolls
demand for buns and rolls will lie in proving versatility
and convenience that meets a wider range of needs and
solutions, " she said.
Fueling flavor innovation
While traditional white buns and rolls may remain best
sellers, an expanding variety of elevated flavors are attracting
more consumers in their pursuit of premium.
Brioche leads the way among such offerings and shows
little sign of slowing down, posting double-digit unit sales
growth, Ms. Altobelli said. She cited Horsham, Pa.-based
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU)'s Sara Lee Artesano Brioche
hot dog buns as a successful example, which drove much
of the brand's growth over the past year.
Jennifer Aranas, senior manager, consumer insights,
BBU, added that brioche's success is partially due to the
versatility it offers consumers.
" For example, our butter-flavored brioche buns can be
used for savory options like sandwiches or burgers and
even sweeter snacks like ice cream sandwiches, " she said.
She added the company has seen an uptick in onion
and potato rolls as well as ciabatta and pretzel products.
" Bimbo Bakehouse started offering more pretzel buns,
rolls and baguettes to stay on top of these trends, meeting
both consumer and foodservice needs, " she said.
" Brioche, as well as French rolls, sourdough and sweet
flavor options, have also shown steady growth over the
past few years as sandwich options in restaurants. "
Cheese is another flavor performing well across buns
and rolls, increasing units by 9%, Altobelli said.
Growth for fellow category leader King's Hawaiian,
Los Angeles, has been driven by some of its newer formats,
Altobelli said, such as its Hawaiian hot dog buns
and 4-count dinner rolls, as well as its Pretzel hamburger
and slider buns and Honey Wheat dinner rolls.
Calise Bakery, Lincoln, RI, put a sourdough spin on
its bestselling rolls with the debut of Sourdough Bulkie
Rolls.
" Given the popularity of our Sourdough Italian
Round Bread and Classic Bulkie Rolls, we can't wait for
our customers to get a taste of the best of both worlds, "
said Michael R. Calise, president, Calise Bakery.
More regionally inspired offerings are finding footing
as well. Zaro's Family Bakery, New York, for example, introduced
The Challah Collection, a line of challah products
including burger buns, dinner rolls and hot dog buns.
" Our challah recipe has been passed down for generations,
and we're thrilled that homes across America can
have a small piece of our family tradition, " said Michael
Zaro, owner and chief operating officer.
More brands are exploring globally inspired flavors
as well, though they have yet to reach the mainstream,
Olsen noted. Trader Joe's Pao d'Agua Portuguese readyto-heat
frozen rolls, for example, allow consumers to try
Buns and rolls can
offer an affordable,
elevated dining
experience to
consumers.
Bimbo Bakeries USA
www.bakingbusiness.com / May 2024 Baking & Snack 39
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Baking & Snack - May 2024

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