The Bagel Boom: The Rise of the Global Bagel Renaissance
Bagels are having a moment. Why? And why now? At IBIE - the largest bakery expo in the Western Hemisphere - I gave an in-depth talk about the "Bagel Boom," an unprecedented wave of artisan innovation and business opportunity that's bringing the humble bagel to the center of food culture across the globe.
Watch the full 23-minute presentation on YouTube, or skim the highlights below:
From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon Status
Bagels have come a long way from their origins in 17th-century Poland, where Jewish bakers, facing restrictions, boiled their dough before baking so it couldn’t be classified as bread. This clever workaround gave rise to the iconic bagel, which immigrant communities carried to cities like New York, London, and Montreal. Over time, New York evolved into the bagel capital, but only after decades of sweat, innovation, and union organization.
My personal journey from eating Dunkin’ Donuts “bagel-shaped bread” to the real deal in New York set me on a course to create New York BagelFest, the first-ever festival dedicated purely to bagel culture. This event started in 2019 as a small, DIY gathering and over the years has evolved into a massive celebration at Citi Field in Queens, attracting bakers and bagel fans from around the world. This journey has given me a unique birds-eye view into whats happening with bagel culture around the world.
The Three Forces Behind the Bagel Boom
The modern bagel’s meteoric rise is thanks to three key trends:
1. The Bagel as a Sandwich: Gone are the days when bagels were simply topped with a schmear of cream cheese. The entrepreneurial shift towards assembling bagel sandwiches unlocked a new, delicious (and profitable) dimension to the bagel experience.
2. The Power of the Internet: The digital age broke down the barriers to learning and perfecting bagel-making. Now, anyone can hone their craft and launch a business, while social media has helped this icon of New York culture reach new worldwide audiences.
3. The Pandemic Effect: Between an exodus of New Yorkers seeking bagel comforts in new hometowns, and a surge in home bakers-turned-entrepreneurs, COVID accelerated the spread of innovative bagel businesses in communities around the world.
Where’s the Opportunity?
The global bagel market size was valued at $5.58 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030, according to a Grand View Research report. For perspective, the pizza industry is estimated to be worth $50B-$400B globally. While bagels are way behind pizza, that means there’s plenty of runway for creative bakers, investors, and food lovers to jump in.
Bagels are beloved not just for their taste and associations with New York, but also for their versatility. You can have them plain, with cream cheese, as a sandwich, or infused with local flavors - think Old Bay bagels in Maryland or barbecue brisket sandwiches in Texas. There are an astonishing 168 million possible combinations in a standard shop - the possibilities are endless.
Trends Shaping the New Generation of Bagel Shops
1. Cottage Bakers & Farmers Markets: The rise of small-scale, community-focused bagel makers - many of whom dream of opening their first brick-and-mortar shop—is changing the game.
2. The Bagel Sandwich Shop Explosion: From Los Angeles’ Courage Bagels to pop-up sensations, the open-faced bagel sandwich reigns supreme, with prices and menus reflecting gourmet aspirations.
3. Retail, Distribution & Chains: Brands like PopUp Bagels are scaling quickly, backed by serious investment and celebrity endorsements. Centralized production, streamlined menus, and killer branding are helping these brands expand into new markets nationwide.
How to Get Involved: The BagelFest Experience
Curious about becoming part of the bagel renaissance? Whether you’re a baker or a passionate fan, the New York BagelFest is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the delicious future ahead. Prospective exhibitors from anywhere in the world can apply, as the fest curates a diverse lineup representing not just New York, but the global bagel family.
The definition of a bagel is always evolving - whether sourdough, New York traditional, or something entirely new. It's an evolutionary process, and we're still working on defining that on a regular basis.
Join the Bagel Conversation
If there’s anything we learned from this episode, it’s that bagels are more than just bread - they represent culture, comfort, and endless creativity. Stay in touch and keep on rolling with BagelUp!