With sales of EUR 17.92 billion, the German bakery trade recorded a moderate growth of 2% in 2024. The turnover in the bakery trade exceeded EUR 4 billion in each of the four quarters of last year, a similar performance as in 2023, data from the Central Association of the German Bakery Trade shows.

According to the figures, the structural change that the bakery trade has been undergoing for decades is ongoing: the number of bakery businesses fell by 3.6% to 8,912 in 2024. “It is mainly smaller businesses with a turnover of up to EUR 500,000 that have left the market,” says Roland Ermer, the association’s President. These businesses are particularly suffering from Germany’s excessive bureaucracy and increasing regulation.

While the number of businesses is falling, the number of employees and turnover per business is rising: the average annual turnover increased from around EUR 1,899,000 to around EUR 2,011,000 per business in 2024. In the same period, the average number of employees per business rose to 26.4 (previous year: 25.4). The number of employees in the bakery trade remained almost stable at around 235,000 (previous year: 235,200). “The bakery trade offers secure and reliable jobs,” emphasizes Ermer. The rising number of trainees is particularly noteworthy: with 4,781 new contracts in 2024, the bakery trade registered a 12.7 % increase compared to the previous year. In total, 10,175 young people received an apprenticeship.

The Central Association is also pleased with the number of new start-ups; it notes that 405 master craftsmen and women ventured into self-employment in 2024. “The high number of new start-ups is on a par with previous years and gives reason for confidence and optimism,” comments Ermer.

Photo: Central Association of the German Bakery Trade