The artisanal segment continues to represent its fair share of sales. In fact, even when consumers tighten their belts and deny themselves grander luxuries, they still allow for small indulgences.

The rise of the handheld breakfast sandwich and the continued demand for portable meals and snacks has helped spur sales of individually packaged goods and products such as bagels, English muffins, croissants and even pretzels. This trend crosses formats from shelf-stable to refrigerated and frozen, while bridging channels from convenience stores to vending and foodservice.