Valerie Aston of Proudfoot Newby in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has seen sales rocket after installing Co-op Wholesale’s in-store bakery (ISB) as part of a major refit.
“We’ve gone from turning over around £500 a week in bakery sales to over £2,000,” she said. “The range, the pricing, the quality – it’s transformed our offer. Customers love it.”
She added: “We’ve definitely attracted new shoppers – the range looks great, smells amazing, and the quality is exceptional. Our regulars love the convenience, and it’s lifted sales right across the store.
“There’s so much more support than with our previous supplier – from pricing and availability to practical advice on everything from bake times to stock rotation. It’s simple, streamlined and profitable.”
Fresh bakery continues to be a major driver of footfall and shopper loyalty. In fact, the bakery category now makes up 31% of convenience-retail sales according to Circana Co-op Convenience, 2024.
Designed to flex to the needs of each store, the Co-op ISB solution maximises available space and existing facilities. Retailers benefit from end-to-end support, including expert guidance on ranging and merchandising – all backed by high-quality POS and a continually evolving product range.
2025 saw the introduction of even more premium lines such as the Irresistible Mediterranean Focaccia and Blueberry & White Chocolate Cookies. The growing range is designed to help retailers deliver a fresh, high-quality proposition with minimal complexity.
Leigh Cobden, Wholesale Category Controller at Co-op Wholesale, said: “An in-store bakery doesn’t just add to your offer – it elevates the entire store experience. We’ve developed a scalable, flexible solution that delivers consistent results.
“From improved margins to increased footfall and shopper satisfaction, the benefits are clear – and we’re proud to offer a model that makes great bakery achievable for every independent.”
