INDUSTRY NEWS UK Bakers win court case over baskets


Bakers Basco, which represents major UK bakeries including Allied, Hovis and Warburtons, has secured a court decree against


Scottish bakery Taza Bake Ltd


following repeated misuse and unlawful retention of bread baskets and dollies owned by its shareholder bakeries. The ruling, issued at Edinburgh Sheriff


Court, granted decree by default in favour of Bakers Basco, awarding £13,795.30 plus interest after Taza Bake failed to appear with authorised legal representation. The court also ruled that Bakers Basco was entitled to recover its legal expenses. The case arose from a prolonged pattern


of non-compliance, with Taza Bake continuing to use Bakers Basco equipment without permission despite clear ownership markings and repeated attempts to resolve the matter outside of court. At the hearing, the Sheriff


refused permission for the company’s shareholder to act as a lay representative, noting that no valid application had been lodged and that the issue had already been addressed at a previous hearing. With no lawful representation present, the decree was granted. Commenting on the


outcome, Christie Allan, solicitor at Livingstone Brown, said: “This court decree reinforces my client’s willingness to take legal action where necessary. Where there is unauthorised use or retention of its equipment, my client will take robust action through the civil courts to recover assets and seek compensation for losses.”


Stacey Brown, national


investigations manager at Bakers Basco, added: “This ruling sends a clear message to the industry that misuse of shared bakery equipment will not be tolerated. Our baskets and dollies are essential to the safe and efficient delivery of bread across the UK. When they are taken out of the system unlawfully, it creates disruption, cost and waste for everyone.” Bakers Basco’s investigations team compiled evidence through


site visits and documentation presented to the court. The ruling is expected to act as a deterrent to other operators misusing pooled bakery equipment, particularly in Scotland, where enforcement action remains ongoing.


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British Bakels has revealed its bakery trends predictions for 2026, with health-conscious indulgence set to shape the category, as nutrition and enjoyment increasingly go hand in hand. The predictions are informed by Bakels’ proprietary


vertical intelligence model, drawing on macro trends, category insight and expertise from Innova Market Insights, Mintel, Black Swan Data and Bakels’ global bakery experts. The year ahead will be shaped by two traditionally opposing


consumer drivers: a growing demand for higher nutritional density, influenced by health and GLP-1 awareness, alongside a continued appetite for indulgence and emotionally rewarding treats. At a macro level, the industry is moving away from perceptions of “empty calories” towards products that are more functional, sustainable and technically advanced. Dan Jones, Marketing Manager at British Bakels, said:


“Consumers are increasingly looking for bakery products that deliver on both enjoyment and nutrition. In 2026, innovation will be less about compromise and more about integration - creating products that feel indulgent and satisfying, while also aligning with health goals and ingredient expectations.” Protein and fibre are emerging as key pillars of this shift.


Interest in these claims is particularly strong among Gen Z and Millennial consumers, with 80% and 77% respectively actively seeking protein and fibre content. However, only a small proportion of bakery launches currently feature these claims, highlighting a clear opportunity for the sector. Protein continues to be a wellness mainstay, valued for


its role in overall health and satiety. Increased awareness of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Rybelsus, has further sharpened focus on maintaining muscle mass,


encouraging consumers to proactively increase protein intake. Reflecting this, food and drink launches featuring protein and weight management claims have risen by 29% in the 12 months to June 2025. Fibre is also gaining momentum, driven by its links to


digestive health, immunity and fullness. Online conversations around “fibre-rich” products have increased by 9% over the last year, while related topics such as gut health and mood are predicted to grow further over the coming 12–14 months. Beyond individual nutrients, interest in products offering “high nutritional value” has risen by 21% year on year, reinforcing the demand for bakery that delivers more in every bite. Jones added: “While nutrition is playing a bigger role in


purchasing decisions, taste remains non-negotiable. Bakery is an emotional category, and consumers still buy into it for flavour, texture and enjoyment. The opportunity lies in delivering technically robust solutions that bring indulgence and nutrition together, without sacrificing either.” As consumer expectations continue to evolve, British


Bakels remains focused on supporting bakers with insight- led solutions that help them respond to changing behaviours and deliver products that resonate in an increasingly intentional marketplace.


DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • 7


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