Bread price explosion - a third more expensive in just four years!

Bread price explosion - a third more expensive in just four years!

Germany is experiencing a significant increase in the prices of bread and rolls, as evidenced by data from the Federal Statistical Office from 2019 to 2023. The cost of these staples has increased by more than 30 percent, representing an above-average price increase compared to other consumer prices. While overall consumer prices rose by 17.3 percent in the period mentioned, food, including bread and rolls, rose by 34.4 percent.

The reasons for this price increase lie in the increased costs for energy, raw materials and personnel expenses. What is particularly worrying is the declining trend in choosing a career as a baker, as fewer and fewer young people are showing interest in it. In 2022, only around 1,640 new training contracts to become bakers were concluded, which corresponds to a halving of new contracts compared to the previous ten years. This development could have long-term effects on the availability and quality of bread and baked goods.

The statistics also show that the baking profession is particularly popular among male trainees. In 2022, more than 70 percent of new training contracts were concluded by men, while the proportion of women was less than 30 percent. This gender distribution in a traditionally male-dominated professional field could pose further challenges for the industry. Given these developments, it is important to carefully consider the future of the bakery industry in Germany and discuss possible measures to strengthen the profession and the production chain.