Bread is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. As such, it’s no surprise that wholesale bakery products are one of the most important categories of wholesale food products. Just like other sectors of the economy, baked goods have changed and manufacturers are adapting to market demand. That’s why nowadays aesthetics play a big role in bakery marketing and sales. In this post, we’ll share more about wholesale sales of baked goods and how businesses order these items in bulk. Whether you’re operating a bakery or want to know how to benefit from baked goods as a business owner, check out our post on bakery technology and our tips on opening a bakery.
Key takeaway: Many businesses partner with commercial bakeries and order wholesale baked goods. These sales are primarily done through eCommerce platforms like BlueCart. The main categories of baked goods sold in bulk include bread, pastries, frozen products, and packaged items.
What Are Wholesale Bakery Products
These are baked goods that are traded in large quantities. For example, grocery stores purchase bread, pastries, and other wholesale bakery products to sell to their retail customers. A lot of other businesses also buy baked goods in bulk.
In some cases, the term wholesale bakery products is used to refer to ingredients used when manufacturing baked goods. That includes wholesale flour, yeast, frozen dough, decorations, and specialty supplies like food coloring and sweeteners. However, these items generally fall under the category of wholesale bakery supplies.
Main Categories of Wholesale Bakery Products
There are hundreds of different baked goods. Some of them are popular and consumed on a daily basis. Others, like wedding cakes, are suitable for special occasions and are rarely sold in bulk as they require customization and specific decorations. Let’s examine the main category of baked products sold in bulk.
- Bread. Naturally, it’s the first category that comes to mind when we talk about wholesale bakery products. There are multiple different bread varieties. Ethnic bread products like naan or tortillas are also very popular in the US. In recent years, specialty products like gluten-free bread or keto bread have gained popularity.
- Pastries. This is a large category with hundreds of different items. Pastries like croissants and muffins are among the most popular ones. Both sweet and savory pastries are among the common wholesale bakery products. They are a common choice for breakfast and are sold by various food stands and cafes. Danish pastries, eclairs, and mini quiches are other popular baked goods in this category.
- Cookies. They come in different flavors and sizes. Cookies can be decorated in different ways and are especially popular for holidays or other special occasions.
- Bagels. Sweet bagels are popular coffee shop pastries. Plain ones can be cut in order to make delicious breakfasts like salmon or grilled cheese and egg bagel sandwiches.
- Frozen products. A lot of businesses buy wholesale bakery products that are frozen. That way, they have an increased shelf life and can be used on demand. Sales of frozen pizza crusts or dough are also common. Food service establishments can use it to make their own delicious baked goods.
- Packaged items. From bars and desserts to pretzels and buns, there are different types of wholesale bakery products that are sold wrapped or packaged. They are bought by vending machine operators or other businesses that require packaged baked goods.
- Specialty baked goods. These products have become a niche market on their own. Gluten-free and vegan items can be examples of specialty baked products. Themed or customized pastries can also be considered to be part of this category. Certain ethnic pastries like baklava or mochi are also among the common items.
Businesses That Buy Wholesale Bakery Products
As baked goods are among the most common food categories, they are used by a wide variety of businesses. From a standalone hot dog stand to large fast food chains, different types of companies need large quantities of baked goods. Here are some examples of businesses that purchase bulk pastries, bread, and other baked products.
- Cafes. Coffee shops often don’t have the necessary bakery equipment to make their own baked goods. Instead, they partner with commercial bakeries that deliver fresh savory and sweet pastries.
- Restaurants. Many food service establishments bake their own bread and desserts. However, it’s not uncommon for the restaurant industry to also order dough or other wholesale bakery products.
- Supermarkets. Grocery stores and other retailers buy packaged and fresh bread and other baked products.
- Retail bakeries. It might seem odd for a retail bakery to order bulk baked products. However, small bakeries that can answer demand might choose this option.
- Catering businesses. Bagels, baguette slices, and pastries are commonly served at cocktail parties or other special events. Thus, caterers often find suppliers of wholesale bakery products.
- Mobile food vendors. That includes businesses like food trucks, hot dog stands, and other mobile fast food vendors.
- Facilities and institutions. As an important staple food, baked goods are used across healthcare facilities, educational institutions, retirement homes, and various other public and private institutions.
- Broadline distributors. Broadliners sell a wide variety of products at wholesale prices. They often prefer not to invest in bakery equipment and appliances. Instead, they can get bulk deliveries of freshly baked goods from commercial bakeries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Bakery Products
Whether you’re planning to open a bakery and need to prepare a bakery business plan or you’re interested in how to sell and buy wholesale products, there are plenty of resources available on our website. Below we’ve shared the answer to commonly asked questions regarding wholesale bakery products.
What Are the Trends in Bakery Products?
In recent years, a lot of customers are searching for organic products. That trend is also observed among bakery businesses. Another trend that is likely here to stay is related to sustainability. Both consumers and companies focus on eco-friendly products and the reduction of food waste.
The foodie culture has also affected bakery products. Customers wish to try new foods and experience different cuisines. That’s why both retail and commercial bakeries have started expanding their product catalogs. Artisan bakeries are also trendy. They focus on high-end products made by experienced bakers that have a high profit margin.
Can You Make and Sell Wholesale Bakery Products at Home?
Even though it’s possible to make large quantities of baked goods at home, you cannot distribute them wholesale. In order to sell in bulk, you need to get a wholesale license. People who enjoy baking and want to get an extra revenue stream can consider selling pastries in retail. Make sure to research the local cottage food laws. They regulate sales of cottage food products and are different in each state. You can start selling under the cottage food laws and then gradually scale your business to become a full-scale retail or wholesale bakery. Check out our post on starting a bakery business.
Where to Buy Wholesale Bakery Products?
Most companies search for distributors of baked goods online. An alternative to that is to use online directories or platforms for distributors. An example of such a platform is BlueCart. Our marketplace allows distributors to easily sell baked goods online to various businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and other food service businesses can compare prices and products offered by different commercial bakeries.
Some companies purchase wholesale bakery products alongside other items from broadline distributors. They often have high minimum order quantities (what is MOQ) but they can deliver products in various categories.
BlueCart: The Platform for Wholesale Bakery Products
Whether you wish to find wholesale pastries for coffee shops or you’re operating a commercial bakery and want to increase your B2B sales, BlueCart can be the right solution. Our wholesale ordering software allows distributors to easily sell their goods to thousands of potential customers. Furthermore, BlueCart helps automate various processes like invoicing and catalog price management. Schedule a free demo and see why our platform is among the best software solutions in wholesale distribution.