Heatwave hits Halse bakery Brock financially: 'People don't eat pastries in this weather'

The sweltering heatwave gripping Belgium is taking a toll on local businesses, with the Brock bakery in Halse announcing a reduction in its production of bread and pastries. Owner Nancy Demol explained that the unseasonably high temperatures are directly affecting customer purchasing habits.

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We risk having to throw away half.

"People eat less bread and pastries in this weather," Demol stated, noting a significant drop in sales. She added that the bakery risks having to discard up to half of its usual output if production levels remain unchanged. This decision aims to mitigate financial losses, as profit margins in the baking industry are already slim.

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People eat less bread and pastries in this weather.

Beyond the impact on sales, the extreme heat creates challenging working conditions within the bakery itself. "It's boiling hot in the bakery," Demol said, explaining that producing quality goods under such conditions is difficult. While Brock is not considering a temporary closure, like a similar bakery in Leefdaal last year, Demol admitted that she would rather seek cooler spots on her terrace than work in the intense heat if there are no customers.

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The margins are already low.

The situation at Brock highlights a broader trend affecting small businesses during early summer heatwaves. The bakery is still accommodating special orders for customers who specifically request items, but the overall reduction in production reflects the stark reality of adapting to extreme weather.

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It's boiling hot in the bakery.