Great South African Bake Off to launch

With the Great South African Bake Off set to hit our shores this year, we take a look at the television phenomenon that is credited with lifting Britain out of a recession. The Great British Bake Off started four years ago, and with its combination of judges (Bakers Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry), presenters (Comedians Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc) and amateur bakers, it captured the country. Two million viewers tuned in to watch the first show, and the baking obsession started. British consumers have spent fortunes on baking tins, edible glitter, piping bags, baking books and lessons – anything to get stuck into baking. The sales of gourmet cupcakes have also risen hugely, and in 2013 the British baking industry was worth £3.4 billion.

Interviewed by The Telegraph, Retail analyst Neil Saunders says there has been a “very strong uplift in interest in baking” since Bake-Off began. “The British public have rediscovered the art,” he adds. “It’s one of those activities that’s both enjoyable and practical in that it can save households money.” The series has even inspired Britons to make a career out of their baking hobby.

The increase in baking interest has not only led to a surge of equipment and ingredient sales in Britain, but it’s also meant that baked goods are flying off the shelves. With their new-found knowledge, Britons are buying cakes and goods that have been demonstrated on the Great British Bake Off, with more of an appreciation for the hard work and skill that goes into the items as well as a keen desire to try some of the flavour combinations that get rave reviews on the show.

So what does the launch of the Great South African Bake Off mean for bakers in SA? It’s tough to tell just yet, but bakers will certainly have to keep an eye on the items that are showcased on the programme and adjust their offering. At the very least, it will foster an audience that’s more appreciative of baking than before, and that can only be a good thing.