According to figures from the Association of German Bakers, 2022 saw the number of bakeries in the federal republic drop by 3,6 percent.
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.
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.
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