UK Bakers Work at Maximum Capacity
The Federation of Bakers, an organization that represents the UK’s largest baking companies, has announced that its members are working to maximum capacity and, in many cases, have made changes to their systems to meet a demand increase of over 50% above average. These measures were collectively taken to ensure supply continues to meet demand.
Aside from increasing productivity, some bakers have also decided to reduce the number of SKUs, to maximize the production of their core lines.
Gordon Polson, chief executive of the Federation of Bakers, said: “The supply chain for bread and bakery products is not the same as other foods, which is why, we as an industry, are working together with the government to ensure there is a continuous supply of quality bakery goods to meet consumer demand during this unprecedented time. We are facing a number of challenges; however, we welcome the support that the government has already shown towards the industry and recently called upon the secretary of state for the support to continue.” This includes ensuring flexibility of drivers’ hours, provision of suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prioritizing testing kits for the bakery industry and reviewing guidance on the provision of canteen food for of key workers. These measures will help to give the greater flexibility required in the supply chain, Polson added.
One of the challenges facing bakers, in contrast to other food manufacturers, is that they are responsible for delivering product directly to retailers’ stores and therefore flexibility is needed to maintain business continuity. To help the industry overcome this, the government is recognizing food production employees as key workers and relaxing drivers’ hours, which is a key factor in ensuring the product is delivered to retailers, Polson said. This move also means that the regular delivery of flour and ingredients to bakeries can be ensured, as the supply chain for bread and bakery products has a very short lead time and flour from millers is delivered every day by tanker. As with other industries, absences in workforces are currently affecting productivity; however, these are currently being managed, the official from FoB said. “With bread playing an important part in a healthy, balanced diet and even more so than during a time like this, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will make further changes, if required, in order to maintain an adequate supply of the nation’s favorite staple food product,” Polson stressed.
The Federation of Bakers represents the interests of the UK’s largest baking companies who produce sliced and wrapped bread, bakery snacks, and other bread products. It is a GBP4 billion industry at retail sales value employing around 75,000 people supplying 80% of the nation’s bread.