Matter of loaf and death: Number of bakeries in Germany dwindles
By Olivia Logan
According to figures from the Association of German Bakers, 2022 saw the number of bakeries in the federal republic drop by 3,6 percent.
Fewer and fewer bakeries in Germany
The Germans are the proven Weltmeisters of all things seedy, crusty and plaited. And for centuries a bakery has populated almost every corner, ready to serve the people their morning Schrippen.
While Germany’s love for its 3.000 kinds of bread prevails, times are changing. At the end of 2022, 9.600 new bakeries were registered, 3,6 percent fewer than in 2021.
16,27 billion in dough
Since inflation rates soared in 2022 the rising cost of basic ingredients for bread, such as milk and flour, means that the industry has been particularly affected by steeper production costs.
According to the Association, member bakery branches made a turnover of around 16,27 billion euros in the past year, 9,4 percent more than the previous year. Despite a smaller number of bakeries opening, price hikes meant this significant turnover was still possible.
Thumb image credit: Ralf Liebhold / Shutterstock.com
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Editor for Germany at IamExpat Media. Olivia first came to Germany in 2013 to work as an Au Pair. Since studying English Literature and German in Scotland, Freiburg and Berlin she has worked as a features journalist and news editor.Read more