At Bimbo Bakeries USA, we are deeply committed to Our Purpose – Nourishing a Better World. We’re not just talking about it; we’re taking action to nourish both people and the planet.
Our journey is powered by three ambitious pillars that guide everything we do:
- Baked for You: Bring better nutrition to millions by providing more diverse nutrients in simpler recipes.
- Baked for Life: Support our associates and help our communities thrive.
- Baked for Nature: Become a zero-carbon champion.
In 2024, we've embraced innovation and bold ideas to meet the ever-changing needs of our associates, customers and consumers. From expanding our portfolio with nutrient-rich products to achieving big sustainability milestones and strengthening our community support, this year has been marked by exciting growth and impactful progress.
Check out the highlights from the year!
Baked for You
Bimbo Bakeries USA offers products for every eating occasion - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and on-the-go. We are committed to providing our consumers with positive nutrition in every choice, more wholegrain and plant-based ingredients at every price point and access to clear information about our products.
SmartLabel™
To help consumers make the best purchasing decisions for their families, we have equipped 100% of our branded product packaging with SmartLabel™. This QR code allows consumers to access a dynamic platform featuring the most up-to-date ingredient lists for each of our products. SmartLabel™ also provides detailed product information, recipes, and insights into our corporate social responsibility achievements, making it easier than ever to stay informed.
Better For You Options
We launched nine new Better For You products this year that include positive nutritional ingredients:
- Little Bites® Lower Sugar Mini Muffins
- The Rustik Oven® Artisan Style Flatbreads
- Sara Lee® Half Loaves (Regional launch as of 2024)
- Arnold® Organic 22 Grains and Seeds
- Sara Lee® Artesano® Hawaiian Bakery Bread and Buns
- Goldminer Sourdough Pretzel Rolls
- The Cheesecake Factory® At Home Bakery Buns
- Wholesome Harvest® Mornings Super Seed and Fruit Small Loaf
- Wholesome Harvest® Mornings Blueberry Oat Small Loaf
Baked for Life
We Value the Person - this applies to everyone we reach including our associates, consumers, customers and community members.
Partnering with Feeding America
We work hard to make sure everyone around the country has access to our products – even those that can’t afford to purchase them. This year, thanks to our hard-working frontline associates and through our strong partnership with Feeding America, we donated approximately 25 million pounds of product to local food banks across the country.
Diversity, Equity & Belonging in Action
As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, Bimbo Bakeries USA proudly supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing economic opportunities, education, and health in underserved communities, making a meaningful impact where it's needed most, including:
National Community Partners:
Regional Community Partners:
- 100 Black Men of the Bay Area
- Chicago Urban League
- Chicago Scholars
- Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta
- HoPe: Hispanic Organization Promoting Education
- Inspiration Corporation
- Los Angeles Cleantech Incubators (LACI)
- Special Olympics of Pennsylvania
Making a Difference Together
Volunteering is at the heart of Bimbo Bakeries USA’s commitment to our communities. At the end of 2023, we introduced a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy, empowering associates to give back and build stronger connections with local nonprofits nationwide. Through this program, associates have already contributed more than 300 hours of volunteer time!
Beyond VTO, more than 1,000 associates participated in various service events throughout the year, collectively contributing more than 1,500 hours of volunteer time. From organizing donation drives to supporting local food banks, schools and contributing to Good Neighbor Projects, our associates are creating a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.
Baked For Nature
As part of the world’s largest baking company, we strive to be leaders in sustainability, recognizing our obligation to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
Baking Sustainably in California
In 2024, Bimbo Bakeries USA partnered with GreenStruxure to launch on-site microgrid systems at six California bakeries—Montebello, Placentia, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, South San Francisco, and Sacramento. These solar-powered systems with battery storage provide nearly 20% of the bakeries' energy needs, reducing our carbon footprint by an estimated 1,700 CO2e tons annually. This initiative supports California's renewable energy goals while advancing our commitment to global decarbonization efforts.
Charging Ahead: Expanding Our Electric Fleet
This year, we partnered with Harbinger to expand our electric fleet! This collaboration marks another significant step toward achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050. By reducing carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, we stay true to our Purpose of Nourishing a Better World.
ENERGY STAR® Highlights
This year, we received the 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizing our company-wide commitment to energy management strategy and leadership in the baking industry over several consecutive years.
In addition to Partner of the Year, Grupo Bimbo and BBU earned the EPA ENERGY STAR certification for 16 of its bakeries, marking the eighth consecutive award for a number of these locations. This certification signifies that the bakeries perform in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency among similar facilities nationwide and meet strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.
In 2024, Bimbo Bakeries USA reached significant milestones on our journey to Nourish a Better World. We expanded our brand portfolio with additional Better For You options, strengthened our culture through volunteerism and supporting our communities and accelerated our sustainability efforts in order to protect and preserve our planet. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue perfecting our recipe for success, rising together to create a brighter future.