FINLAND: Fazer Group to close two bakeries

Finland's Fazer Group has decided to close two bakeries in its domestic market as it restructures amid falling bread consumption in the country.

Finland’s Fazer Group has decided to close two bakeries in its domestic market as it restructures amid falling bread consumption in the country.

Fazer said production at the sites in Hyvinkää and Ulvila would end by next September at the earliest. The closures will affect 146 staff.

The company said it had to revamp its network as consumption habits in Finland are changing.

“The need for the negotiations was a result of the challenging market situation. Bread consumption is declining in Finland and consumer behaviour has changed in a significant way. The share of bread baked in stores is growing and that of pre-packed bread is falling,” the company said. “Salary and energy costs have continued to rise as well and it is not possible to fully transfer the cost effects into prices.”