United States packaged sandwich bread sales drop as unit volumes decline

United States sales of center-store sandwich bread fell by 1.5% to $9.97 billion in the multi-outlet retail channel during the 52 weeks ended August 9, Food Business News reported, citing figures from Chicago-based market research firm Circana. Overall unit sales for the category declined by 3.3% year over year to 3.07 billion units. [1]

Food Business News reported that traditional packaged loaf bread continues to struggle with sluggish growth amid evolving consumer behaviors. The category segment is experiencing pressure as it finds itself positioned between shifting consumer preferences and competing eating occasions across the food retail market. [1]

According to Food Business News, the sales slowdown affected almost all major players in the market during the 52-week period. Circana data showed that seven of the ten largest sellers in center-store sandwich bread, including private label offerings, saw their dollar sales slip. [1]

Food Business News also reported that nine of the top ten sellers experienced unit sales decreases during the same timeframe. Out of these top ten sellers, half recorded declines in both dollar sales and unit sales, reflecting broad volume loss across the category. [1]