What is Baking Fashion?
Why is it important?
The baking industry is worth 3.6 billion pounds, and is one of the largest markets in the food industry (FOB 2016).
Brief history of baking fashion
Before the 16th and 17th century baking was for the upper class, and then started to trickle down into the middle class. This is because of the economic growth and ingredients being more accessible to the middle class. This is also the period when cookery literature started emerging.
In the 18th century ovens become more accessible to merchants and shopkeepers, where the development of baking technology greatly improved the baking industry. In the 19th century baking declined slightly as women started to work more and have less time for baking (Mason 2013).
The 20th century brought about more affordable “luxury” items, such as baking powder and individual ovens in homes.
In 2010 Britain erupted in a baking frenzy after the show “The Great British Bake Off” was aired.
The analyst Neil Saunders said: “The British public have rediscovered the art,”; “It’s one of those activities that’s both enjoyable and practical in that it can save households money.” (Rainey 2013)
The first cake recipe (Rundall 1822) - Queen Cake
