This should not present much concern for manufacturers, as freshness can be duplicated by mixes baked at home. The convenience of the in-store bakery, however, is a more formidable foe. Simply put, the convenience in purchasing a ready-to-eat dessert cannot be duplicated easily by any baking mix.
In-store bakeries also have seen an increase in space and development costs, allowing for the creation of higher-quality products. Even mass merchandisers have begun to offer premium products, while gourmet-type grocers have begun to sell baked goods in small portions, along the lines of single-serve pie and cake slices.