Birthdays, christenings, weddings and parties – cakes take centre stage whenever it’s time to celebrate, so it’s no wonder that it is such a popular category.
Despite fluctuating inflation and uncertain economic conditions, consumers are continuing to buy cake in order to mark milestones and celebrations – and it’s not just brands: retailers have been revamping and expanding on in-store bakeries as shoppers seek out good deals and fresh products while on their weekly shop.
Cakes were the 15th-ranked category in the Checkout Top 100 Brands 2024, retaining that spot for the fourth year in a row.
The top five brands held 21.0% of the overall category share, indicating that while these brands are on top, the category itself reaches far beyond these offerings.
Published every August, the Checkout Top 100 Brands is based on branded value sales across the Irish grocery sector, making it the most accurate barometer of the biggest-selling brands in the marketplace.
In compiling the report, NIQ Ireland measures the sales performance of over 5,000 brands from over 200 product classes.
Ireland’s Top 5 Cake Brands
1 Ryans
Ryans was the new leader last year, having moved from its number-two position to dethrone Stafford’s Bakeries. The family-run business based in Tipperary Town has a wide reach, delivering its baked treats to stores nationwide. This reach has driven its popularity, earning it the top spot in the cake category for 2024.
2 Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme moved from fifth place in 2023 up to second last year. Since opening its first dedicated Irish store in Blanchardstown, the brand has expanded its offerings to retailers, growing in popularity and climbing its way up the rankings to take the silver spot in the cake category.
3 Stafford’s Bakeries
Stafford’s Bakeries is not only the number-three brand in the category, but it was the 58th overall brand in the Top 100 Brands rankings. Despite falling slightly in the overall rankings last year – from 52nd in 2023 – it was still riding high from its phenomenal jump in 2021 – from 86th position up to 62nd. The jump was even more impressive when considering that the brand only entered the rankings in 2019, at number 93.
The Wexford-based bakery has been operating since the 1950s, making cakes, confectionery and bread for years.
4 Cadbury
Cadbury is the only brand to hold the same position in 2024 as it did in 2023. The popular confectionery company presents a strong cake offering, in addition to its chocolate products, such as Dairy Milk, which was the top confectionery brand for the year and the number-four product overall in the Top 100 rankings. Cadbury’s cakes – based on its popular chocolates – were, once again, a winner for shoppers in 2024.
5 Mr Kipling
UK brand Mr Kipling is known for its mince pies and mini-cakes, such as its Battenbergs. The brand fell from third to fifth place in the rankings last year, although its parent company, Premier Foods, reported a boosted profit outlook in January, based on strong Christmas sales. So, while it fell in the category, Mr Kipling still has much to celebrate – and plenty of cake with which to do so!
Read More: Anyone For A Biscuit? Ireland’s Favourite Biscuit Brands
