- Sales of post-specific products have been on an upward trend in recent years: they increased by more than 40% in 2016 and doubled in 2020
Fasting periods represent almost 25% of a year. In these time intervals, sales of specific post products have been on an upward trend in recent years: they increased by over 40% in 2016 and doubled in 2020. According to studies, almost half of Romanians hold, in total or for the most part, the main posts of Easter and Christmas. Of these, approximately 57% are women. On the other hand, a Foodwise Marketing study shows that the pandemic has led Romanians to pay more attention to the origin of the ingredients they consume. Thus, 35% of buyers choose Romanian products, and 22% look for local producers. Cumulatively, these data can be a serious argument to support the idea that fasting products can be a real opportunity for confectionery and pastry shops.
Vegetable desserts are in demand
More and more manufacturers are investing in production lines dedicated to plant-based protein foods and more and more retailers are selling POST products under their own brand. We also include fasting desserts here. Regarding the evolution of the consumption of vegetable products from year to year, at the international level there is already a trend in this direction and an accelerated development of the segment of products without animal protein. "In the local market we are still at an early stage, we notice that products based on vegetable protein are starting to expand into new categories, such as ice cream for example, and are diversifying from the point of view of the range, into categories that not only have a seasonal presence (eg dairy substitutes such as almond, oat or soya milk)Mega Image representatives told Progresiv magazine. In a list of the most sought-after products during fasting periods, Mega Image representatives include, in 2020, vegetable desserts, made from soy, almonds, rice, quinoa, oats or coconut.
On an upward trend for almost 5 years
Market studies, such as RetailZoom, which analyzes the seasonality of sales, have highlighted as early as 2016 that during the period of religious fasting, sales of vegetable products increase by more than 40%. With the period of the pandemic, when certain consumption habits have changed, analysts point out that, especially during the fasting period, more and more consumers tend to prefer fresh products, "like at my mother's house", which they can choose from a showcase, whether virtual or industrially manufactured, that they find on supermarket shelves. However, at present, the supply of fasting products is still relatively shy in patisseries and confectionery. Between the two types of establishments, patisseries seem to have adapted better to the demand for fasting products. Instead, confectioneries are starting to complement their offer with vegan products.
Lent cakes, "like at mother's home"
Lenten cakes do not mean giving up the sweet, savory and creamy taste. With chocolate, coffee, nut, jam, fruit or vegetable milk, carrots, broth, flour and oil, but also with creativity, more than 150 Lenten cake recipes can be adapted. From the classic black pudding or apple pie to sophisticated cakes and candies. "Homemade" fast desserts and snacks can become a segment with potential for a profitable business, the market can be easily won especially during the two longer fasts of the year, where the demand is on a daily basis at a higher and higher level. When the business also relies on orders coming in through its own website, and delivery is made to customers' premises or homes, the success of the business can increase. For example, the site suntdelicioase.ro, of a popular confectionary in Piața Romană in Bucharest, offers in its virtual showcase, in addition to the classic products, 46 types of Lent pastries, 11 types of Lent candies, 15 types of cakes fasting and more than 20 varieties of fasting cakes. All in high demand.
