Bakers and confectioners expect reliable energy policy and a reduction in bureaucracy.

The baking and confectionery trades are demanding practical and reliable political frameworks for energy and raw materials, as well as a consistent reduction in bureaucracy. Otherwise, they argue, the security of supply for bread and baked goods cannot be guaranteed.

This article is part of the special topic Bureaucratic madness in the craft industry

To ensure that bakers and confectioners can maintain the supply of a wide variety of bread and baked goods, policymakers must create practical and reliable political frameworks for energy and raw materials. This requires significantly reducing the bureaucratic burden on businesses. This demand was made by associations across the bakery value chain, including... Central Association of the German Bakery Trade and German Confectioners' AssociationThe security of supply of baked goods is not a given.

According to the German Bakers' Association, 70 to 80 percent of bakeries still use gas for baking. "We need planning certainty and time for the transition; otherwise, we risk the decentralized energy supply and the existence of many bakeries," explains Roland Ermer, President of the German Bakers' Confederation. Energy costs are a crucial factor for value creation in Germany. Therefore, a reliable electricity supply and stable prices are needed for the energy-intensive sectors in the baked goods value chain.

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Bureaucracy and regulation should not stifle innovation. The associations are therefore calling for the courage to simplify regulations, particularly regarding documentation requirements and working time law, and for a "spring of reforms." Ermer demanded a more flexible working time law: "Moving away from daily and towards weekly maximum working hours, as well as extending permitted baking times on Sundays and public holidays to better reflect the realities of modern businesses."

If bureaucracy and high ancillary wage costs continue to raise the hurdles for business transfers, it will become increasingly difficult to attract young entrepreneurs to take over existing businesses, according to Bettina Schliephake-Burchardt, President of the German Confectioners' Association. She called for "measured regulations in all areas that do not hinder an entrepreneurial culture." The issue of attracting skilled workers also remains a challenge in all sectors. Roland Ermer stated: "We finally need better career guidance in schools, affordable housing for trainees, and a clear commitment to the equality of vocational and academic education."

Source: Central Association of the German Bakery TradeDHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!