Industry News

 “So many more people started baking in general because of pandemic lockdowns and wanting to bring comfort into their lives,” said Kara Nielsen, director of WGSN’s food and beverage platform. “There have been a lot of reasons why this was a great year to look at vegan baking.” 

 Nate Fisher, chief executive officer of Salt Lake City-based Julia’s Table, a producer of gluten-free baked foods, remembers growing up in a family where his mother Julia had celiac disease and whose one wish was “to eat just like everyone else.”

Years ago, he said options were sparse. Mr. Fisher recalled how his father would bribe him by promising fast food later if he ate the gluten-free meal now. Today, Julia’s Table sells gluten-and allergen-free bread, rolls, cookies brownies and wraps that are co-manufactured and sold across the nation. To reach a broader audience, the company creates gluten-free products also made without other top allergens. Mr. Fisher said the brand’s objective is to be more “inclusive.”

Bagel lovers, unite! It is officially National Bagel Day on Jan. 15, and it can't come fast enough for those of us who love them. And apparently, we're not the only ones. According to National Today, 54 percent of Americans love a fresh bagel and 75 percent of them want it warm and toasty. Fortunately for us, there will be a handful of places that are offering just that this Friday.