Trade organisation Scottish Bakers has unveiled its 2026 manifesto, outlining how it intends to “protect and grow” its £1 billion contribution to the economy.
It said the Scottish bakery industry supports 12,000 jobs across villages, towns and cities in the country. Scottish Bakers highlighted that with more than 600 companies and 1,800 retail outlets, the Scottish bakery sector accounts for one-fifth of all Scottish food and drink manufacturing turnover.
Scottish Bakers went on to say that despite the industry’s positioning as an “economic and community powerhouse”, it currently faces a “perfect storm of rising ingredient costs, labour shortages and surging business rates”.
The manifesto issues an urgent call to all political parties to recognise the sector as a “critical cultural and economic asset” that requires targeted intervention.
Lesley Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, commented: “The Scottish bakery sector is a cornerstone of our national identity and a vital driver for our economy. From the local high street baker to our national icons, this sector feeds the nation every day.”
The manifesto is built upon three core pillars:
- Sustainable and local production
- A flourishing workforce
- A fair business environment
To read the full Scottish Bakers Manifesto for 2026, click here.
Cameron continued: “Our ‘Rising Together’ manifesto is an invitation to policymakers to partner with us. By investing in local milling capacity, reforming apprenticeship funding, and ensuring a fair tax environment, we can protect local jobs and ensure the craft of baking continues to flourish for generations to come.”
