The 10 Largest Bread Brands In The United States
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The largest bread brand in the U.S. is United States Bakery, with an estimated revenue of $20.5 billion.
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As of 2022, the global bread industry boasts a market size of $497.5 billion.
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The average American consumes approximately 53 pounds of bread each year.
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The global bread market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.87% through 2027.
Bread is a fundamental staple in American households, essential for a variety of meals. The bread and bakery industry is more expansive than many realize. In the United States, the Bread and Bakery Product segment was valued at $69.05 billion in 2021, with a projected annual growth rate of 0.68% moving forward.
This industry provides baked goods to millions of consumers daily, focusing on flour and wheat-based products including bread, cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies. Globally, over nine million large loaves of bread are consumed each day.
If you’re interested in discovering which companies dominate this sector, explore our list of the top ten bread suppliers in the United States.
DETAILED LIST OF THE 10 LARGEST BREAD BRANDS IN THE UNITED STATES
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Private Label
Annual Revenue (2021): $199 billion
Private label bread is sold under a store’s label or brand name but is typically produced by a third-party company. This sector is the second-largest revenue generator within the bread industry.
Private labeling enables retailers to offer branded products without developing recipes or production methods themselves. The recipes for private label bakery goods are created and owned by the manufacturer.
Interest in private label products surged after the Great Recession, as consumers sought affordable alternatives to brand-name items. Retail giants like Trader Joe’s have successfully demonstrated that store-brand products can match the quality of well-known name brands.
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United States Bakery. Portland, Oregon
2021 Annual Revenue: $20.5 billion
Founded in 1906, United States Bakery, also known as Franz Family Bakeries, is credited with inventing the 5-inch hamburger bun in the late 1920s.
Over the decades, the company has expanded significantly through various acquisitions and is currently owned by the fourth generation of the Franz family, operating nine bakeries throughout the Northwest.
Distribution reaches states including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Northern California. In 2013, the company acquired Hostess Brands’ Sweetheart, Eddy’s Santish Farms, and Grandma Emilie’s brands for $28.85 million.
United States Bakery holds a Guinness World Record for baking a hot dog bun measuring 104 feet and 9.5 inches long in 2006.
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Campbell Soup. Camden, New Jersey
2022 Annual Revenue: $8.562 billion
Campbell Soup Company is a major player in the processed food sector, known primarily for its canned soups. Through various mergers and acquisitions, it has become one of the largest processed food companies in the U.S., offering a diverse range of products.
Key brands include Pepperidge Farm, Snyder’s of Hanover, V8, and Swanson, with Pepperidge Farm being acquired in 1961. Their product lineup includes sandwich bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and a variety of snack cakes.
Globally, Campbell Soup Co. expanded its portfolio by acquiring Kelsen Group, a Danish baked goods company, in 2019.
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Flowers Foods. Thomasville, Georgia
2022 Annual Revenue: $4.8 billion
Founded in 1919, Flowers Foods is the third-largest bread brand in the U.S., operating 47 bakeries nationwide. Their product offerings include bread, buns, rolls, snack cakes, pastries, and tortillas.
The company’s growth has been fueled by numerous acquisitions, bolstering its presence in the market. Flowers Foods has two main operating segments: Direct Store Delivery (DSD) for fresh products and Warehouse for national distribution of frozen goods.
Notable brands include Mrs. Freshly’s, Wonder Bread, Nature’s Own, and Dave’s Killer Bread. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
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Bimbo Bakeries. Horsham, Pennsylvania
2022 Annual Revenue: $4.5 billion
Bimbo Bakeries USA was established in 1994 when Grupo Bimbo acquired La Hacienda, a California-based tortilla company. The company entered the U.S. bread market in 1997 by acquiring Pacific Pride Bakeries.
As the largest bakery organization in the United States, Bimbo Bakeries operates over 60 bakeries and employs more than 20,000 people, distributing products through over 11,000 sales routes. Their well-known brands include Entenmann’s, Sara Lee, and Thomas’.
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Lewis Bakeries. Evansville, Indiana
2021 Annual Revenue: $800.0 million
Founded in 1925, Lewis Bakeries began in Anna, Illinois, when three brothers launched their bakery with a small loan. The business quickly gained popularity in the region, becoming known for its quality bread.
Innovative practices include being the first bakery to eliminate trans fats and produce the first fat-free reduced-calorie bread. Today, they remain a family-owned operation with several well-recognized brands.
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HS Bakery. Baltimore, Maryland
2021 Annual Revenue: $240.0 million
Established in 1943, HS Bakery focuses on a diverse range of products, including bread, rolls, bagels, and specialty items. They own brands like Northeast Foods and Schmidt Baking Company, operating multiple facilities across several states.
With over 300 products, HS Bakery caters to restaurants, retail stores, and food service units, offering both fresh and frozen private label options.
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Perfection Bakeries. Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Annual Revenue: $192 million
Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, established in 1901, started by producing wafers and gradually expanded to include bread and cakes. Their products are primarily distributed in the Midwest, with five bakeries in operation.
Their brand portfolio includes Aunt Millie’s, Hillbilly, and Holsum, and they actively participate in community philanthropic efforts.
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Aryzta US Holdings. Chicago, Illinois
2017 Annual Revenue: $112 million
Founded in 2008, Aryzta operates globally, supplying products to major retailers and food service providers. Their offerings include a variety of baked goods, with brands like La Brea Bakery and Otis Spunkmeyer in the U.S.
Aryzta specializes in frozen bakery operations and assists partners with recipe development and packaging services.
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Pan O Gold Baking. Saint Cloud, Minnesota
2017 Annual Revenue: $96 million
Founded in 1906, Pan O Gold Baking Company has grown to become a top wholesale baker in the Midwest. The company began as Bearded Baking and underwent several expansions, now serving states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Pan O Gold produces various baked goods and is committed to community support, donating one million loaves of bread annually to those in need.
Largest Bread Brands FAQ
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Is the bread industry growing?
Yes, the bread industry is experiencing growth. The global bread market is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.87% through 2027.
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How big is the global bakery industry market?
The global bread industry has a market size of $497.5 billion. The largest bread brand in the U.S. is United States Bakery, with a revenue of $20.5 billion.
