In Spain, a coalition of artisanal bakers and patissiers, represented by Ceoppan, warned that more than six hundred small and independent bakeries could shutter as production costs climb and energy supplies falter. The group stressed that without reliable power, there will be no bread, no roscones de Reyes, and no chance for many neighborhood shops to survive. They announced they would close their doors across the country on January 3 to demand government relief that targets the realities faced by small producers.
The industry’s statement highlighted how roscones, a Christmas favorite made with locally sourced ingredients by generations of skilled masters, risk disappearing from local markets. The tradition, carried from ovens to family tables all over Spain, relies on the expertise of millennial artisans and the availability of domestic ingredients. Without mitigation, the closure of hundreds of venues could imperil this cherished seasonal staple.
Bakeries report that total closures already exceed six hundred due to surging production costs, and they warn that thousands more could follow if energy prices remain high and weighed down by regulatory bottlenecks. The ripple effects extend beyond immediate sales; local employment, supply chains, and the social fabric of towns and neighborhoods could be affected as well.
Questions are growing about the future of neighborhood and town bakeries that deliver high-quality products to communities. Do communities want to see these essential services dwindle? Do they want Spain to lose its artisanal bread and roscones? While large industrial companies have received some government energy relief, the sector argues that micro, small, and medium-sized bakeries have not benefited from the same support, leaving many without a viable path forward.
Industry representatives noted they welcomed outreach from the Ministry of Agriculture, but expressed frustration that the energy ministry had not yet addressed their core demands. The lack of coordinated support is seen as a turning point for many small bakeries, forcing some to reduce staff, cut hours, or forego necessary equipment upgrades that keep products safe and consistent.
In response, artisans are launching a collective campaign beginning this week with the message Don’t Let Christmas Out. The campaign culminates on Tuesday, January 3, when more bakeries nationwide will pause operations for a 15-minute show of solidarity in support of affordable energy and government action. The refrain remains stark: without reliable power, there can be no bread or roscones, and the cultural fabric of many towns could fray as a result.