BEMA-INTEL
Discover decision-making data
What is BEMA Intel?
The BEMA Intel Industry Summary report presents at-a-glance topline trends for key U.S. economic and commercial baking industry indicators. Updated quarterly, this overview provides a high-level view of the state of commercial baking and equipment manufacturing industries to aid in planning and critical decision making.
How Our Members Use BEMA Intel
“BEMA INTEL has become an indispensable tool in our day-to-day operations. The platforms comprehensive data and insights provide a clear picture on the state of the baking industry, helping me stay informed on key trends and emerging opportunities. I regularly use BEMA INTEL to identify shifts in the market and share these critical insights with my sales team, this enables us to anticipate changes, adapt strategies, and remain competitive in this dynamic industry. The actionable intelligence from BEMA INTEL is a game changer for making informed decisions and success in our business.”
Eric Cruse – Middleby Bakery Group
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BEMA Intel Details
BEMA Intel Industry Indicators
This report contains detailed, historical. and current trending data for key industry indicators most helpful in understanding the changing health of the U.S. commercial baking and equipment manufacturing industries, as provided by data from Circana, Milling and Baking News, USDA and more. The complete report is only available to BEMA members.
BEMA Intel Member Pulse Survey
A confidential online survey among BEMA equipment manufacturing members reflecting global and U.S. industry outlooks, company outlook by product channel and bookings/sales, and top business challenges. The full results of this survey are only available to BEMA members.
Questions about BEMA Intel? Email Wes Luczak.
BEMA Intel Industry Indicators
- In the second quarter of 2025, Commercial Aisle Bakery dollar sales for the quarter totaled $22.7 billion, a decrease of 0.9% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2024. Unit sales were also down slightly 1.0% for the same period, continuing to suggest that increased prices, economic uncertainty and other market factors have impacted consumer demand in the category. Dollar and unit sales were down significantly for commercial aisle bread, cakes, snack cakes and brownies, squares & bars.
- In the second quarter of 2025, In-Store Bakery dollar sales were up 3.4% to $4.9 billion compared to the corresponding quarter a year ago, with unit sales up 1.2%.
- Importantly, the Grain-Based Foods Stock Index was down 16.1% in the second quarter of 2025, while the S&P 500 increased 13.0%.
- The Consumer Price Index for Bakery Products increased slightly at 1.5% in June 2025 compared to the previous year, following major increases in the CPI that began during the inflationary period in 2022.
- Baking ingredient costs for some categories tracked by Milling & Baking News’ Bakery Ingredient Indexes are up substantially. The index for devils food cake was up 68.4% in 2025Q2 compared to a year ago due to high cocoa and egg prices. The index for cake donuts was up 67.4% over the same time period. For white pan bread, however, the index was down 2.6%.
- Unemployment decreased slightly to 4.1% in June 2025. Unit labor costs increased 3.1% for 2025Q2 compared to the same quarter a year ago.
- Flour production was down 1.9% in 2025Q2 compared to a year ago.
BEMA Intel Member Pulse Survey
- 32% of equipment manufacturers report 2025 Q2 bookings were up, compared to only 15% last quarter. (Last quarter’s share reporting ‘bookings up’ was nearly the lowest share in the 5 years of BEMA Intel; lowest since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic at 13%.)
- Only 56% of equipment manufacturers are positive about their company’s 2025 business outlook for the next 6 months, down from 66% in the first quarter. (This is the lowest share reporting a positive business outlook in the 5 years of BEMA Intel; lower than the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic.)
- 69% of equipment manufacturers are positive about the 2025 industrial/commercial bakery channel outlook in the next 6 months, up slightly from 64% last quarter. (These are the lowest shares reporting positivity in the industrial/commercial channel in the 5 years of BEMA Intel; significantly lower than the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic.)
Top challenges in 2025Q2:
- Trade uncertainties: 76% (compared to 49% in 2024Q4)
- Increased raw material costs: 46% (compared to 28% in 2024Q4)
- Unfavorable business climate (e.g., taxes, regulations): 46% (compared to 25% in 2024Q4)
