European Bakeries Are Closing—How Bixter Bridges the Labor Gap

Europe’s artisan bakeries are facing a defining moment. Since 2022, hundreds to thousands of bakeries have closed in Denmark, Netherlands, Germany and France alone, with a staggering 33,000 French artisan bakeries under threat as of early 2023. The main culprits: soaring energy and ingredient costs, and a severe shortage of skilled staff willing to take on early, demanding shifts.

Why Are Bakeries Closing?

• Energy and ingredient costs: Bills have more than tripled for many bakeries.
• Labor shortages: Even with higher wages, few are willing to take on the early hours and physical demands.
• Changing habits: As artisan bakeries close, supermarket chains fill the gap-often at the expense of tradition and quality.

Across northern and western European bakeries closure is widespread:

• Netherlands: The number of artisan bakeries has dropped from about 3,300 in 2015 to an estimated 2,800 in 2025, as consolidation and competition from industrial bakeries intensify.1
• Germany: Long home to Europe’s largest artisan bakery sector, Germany has seen numbers fall from about 12,000 in 2015 to roughly 10,500 in 2025, squeezed by rising costs, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits. 3 5 7
• Denmark: The contraction is even sharper, with artisan bakeries dropping from around 900 in 2015 to about 500 in 2025, as large-scale producers gain market share and traditional shops struggle to survive. 2

Despite strong consumer demand for high-quality, handcrafted baked goods, the artisan bakery sector is shrinking in many countries, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to keep Europe’s ovens on and its baking traditions alive 23.

Estimated Number of Artisan Bakeries In Denmark (2015–2025)

How Bixter Bridges the Labour Gap for Bakeries

Bixter connects bakeries with skilled, motivated workers from over 30 countries-people ready to start early and keep the tradition of fresh bread alive. Bixter manages recruitment, visas, and onboarding, offering tailored programs for trainees, seasonal, or permanent staff. With over 17 years of experience and 2,500+ employers served annually, Bixter is a trusted partner for bakeries facing labor shortages.

Here’s how Bixter is helping bakeries not just survive, but thrive, in the face of these shortages:

• Global Talent Pool: Bixter recruits qualified bakers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and across the EU, ensuring candidates have relevant training and are eager to embrace the early starts and hard work the job demands.
• Tailored Programs: With traineeship and employment contracts designed for the bakery sector, Bixter matches bakeries with candidates who are not just skilled, but genuinely passionate about baking and customer service.
• Streamlined Hiring: Bixter handles the entire recruitment process-from vetting and interviews to visas and travel-so bakery owners can focus on their business, not bureaucracy.
• Dedication and Reliability: The company prioritizes candidates who are motivated, dependable, and willing to work the early hours needed to keep bakeries running smoothly.
• Ongoing Support: Bixter offers ongoing assistance throughout the placement, including a guarantee period for EU workers, so bakeries can request a replacement if needed at no extra cost.

Bottom line:
Without urgent solutions, more artisan bakeries will close and the tradition of fresh, local bread will fade. Bixter offers a lifeline, helping bakeries across Europe find the hardworking, early-rising staff they need to keep their ovens hot and their communities nourished 8.