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Why you should enter
As an entrant in any of the awards categories, your name and company will go in front of a panel of judges who are looking for flair, imagination, business acumen and professionalism. Everyone who enters has a chance of winning and that could easily be you… And don’t forget, the entire baking industry holds achievement in these awards in high esteem and with great respect – not only in the year that you win, but in all the years that follow. Deadline for entries is Friday 16th May. Entry FormsThe Achievement in Bakery Training Award, sponsored by Rich's Companies and individuals that have initiated or been involved in successful training programmes are encouraged to enter this award. Any size of company, making any type of baked product, is eligible to enter. This award about the application of the knowledge learnt to benefit personal development and the business as a whole. "Training helps to retain and develop staff and is attractive to prospective employees. This is especially important in an industry that is suffering from a skills shortage. Bakery at its core is a craft industry and it is an exciting industry that is moving fast. We want to encourage bakers to develop their skills, take pride in what they do and inspire others to choose this enjoyable and rewarding career," says Rich's.
Baker of the Year, sponsored by Vandemoortele UK This award is open to any individual with hands-on baking expertise. Entrants can be from small or large companies, but they must be able to demonstrate baking excellence and innovation. ÒThe entrants and ultimate winner of this category will show what a rewarding and enjoyable career being a baker can be," says Vandemoortele UK.
Judges will be looking for a baker who can demonstrate commitment and passion for quality finished products and the willingness to meet the challenges of the current business climate. Ingredients quality, baking skills and consideration for the environment are some of the criteria that will be assessed.
Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by ADM Businesses that have grown from traditional craft bakery roots to become excellent specialist bakeries, as well as large bakery food manufacturers with a strong market presence, are encouraged to enter Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by ADM Milling.
The award is open to all bakery and bakery food manufacturing businesses that produce exceptional quality baked goods.The judges will be assessing the entrantÕs applications in terms of product quality, operational standards, product innovation and marketing activity. In particular, the question will be asked: ÒWhat are you doing in your business to distinguish you from others in the industry?"
Bakery Supplier of the Year , sponsored by Sainsbury's The relationship between supplier and retailer is vital in building success in the bakery category. With this in mind, Sainsbury's is keen to encourage entrants who are able to demonstrate a successful partnership they have developed with a retail customer. Judges will be looking for evidence of how companies have identified a gap in the market, achieved quality standards and distribution, and set about developing a strong relationship with their customers.
Entrants to this award should be able to show investment in the customer offering, whether through innovation, quality and/or value, which has fuelled growth. Companies that strive to achieve operational excellence, underpinned by a passion for quality and product safety, should enter this award. As should those who have worked to raise standards of corporate responsibility. "Continuing to seek out the best in the industry will create a strong platform from which to face the challenges ahead," says Sainsbury's.
Celebration Cake Maker of the Year , sponsored by Renshaw The Celebration Cake Maker of the Year category is open to everyone, ranging from small cake-making specialists right up to celebration cake suppliers to supermarkets. All you need to do to enter this award is be able to demonstrate your individual skills in this field. What sets you apart from the competition? Tell us, in your entry, why you and your cakes are truly worth celebrating. "This is a unique opportunity for employers to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues," says Renshaw.
The Craft Business Award , sponsored by Rank Hovis The focus of this award is not about size of operation or number of shops, but about product excellence, enterprise and ideas. It is about craft bakery businesses that are moving forward and meeting today's consumer demands, and who are doing it with passion and enthusiasm. "We are looking for companies that can demonstrate a real passion for the craft of baking," says Rank Hovis. "Entrants could be a specialist in one area, whether that is artisan breads, the best pies or amazing cakes, or be strong across several product types. We want to celebrate the diversity of the sector."
The Customer Focus Award , sponsored by BakeMark The Customer Focus Award seeks out the most customer-orientated bakery businesses. It was created in recognition of the craft, industrial and in-store bakery sectors' constant determination to find new ways to improve levels of customer service. "Companies that can expect to do well are those that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of customers' needs, as well as innovative and swift approaches to solving problems or adapting to issues that might arise," says BakeMark UK.
The In-store Bakery Award, sponsored by Délifrance The in-store bakery (ISB) provides true theatre in supermarkets, encouraging retailers to maximise innovation and introduce ever more exciting product lines. The award is open to all ISBs who can demonstrate a well-tailored product range, good availability, ideas for maximising sales and promoting growth. In addition, judges will be looking for outstanding customer service, good team spirit and excellent management of resources or skills development. "By entering, ISB teams are contributing further to raising the profile of their expertise, their craft and their value in retail," says Délifrance UK.
The Organic Award, sponsored by Asda This award is open to anyone involved in driving forward the organic bakery sector, from small shops, who can demonstrate excellence in organic retailing, to bakeries producing organic baked goods, whether these are biscuits, cakes, breads or any other baked product.
Judges are keen to hear from all sizes of manufacturers, from small to large. Entrants should be able to demonstrate a combination of innovation, great quality and a good understanding of what consumers are looking for in an organic baked product. "We hope the award will inspire members of the bakery industry to improve standards in organic products," says Asda.
Plant Product of the Year, sponsored by Puratos This new category in the Baking Industry Awards has been created to reward new product innovation from the industry's largest companies. Plant bakers, industrial cake producers and large desserts manufacturers, which have launched innovative new products in the past year, are all encouraged to enter. Judges will be looking for evidence of genuine innovation in a new product that has launched in the past 12 months. They will be keen to hear how the concept was developed, the consumer research that went into identifying a gap in the market and how the product was developed to fit into existing processing capabilities. Marketing and promotional activities, and how these targeted specific consumer groups, will also be of interest," says Puratos.
The Quality Product Award , sponsored by Tesco This award is open to any supplier or retailer, large or small, whether you make or sell a 49p croissant or a £29 cake. If you are proud of the quality of your product, please enter. This award isn't just about products like Tesco Finest; it is just as much about great quality standard products. Customers on all budgets should expect to get a quality product when they visit the bakery department or bakery shop. "Judges will assess entrants by what the finished product looks and tastes like," says Tesco. "They will also want to see how your product differentiates itself from other comparable products in the market and in your shop. How did you achieve the end result in terms of things like ingredients, manufacturing process, flavours and aroma?"
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Nothing ventured, nothing gained, is an old and well-worn adage but there is no better phrase to sum up the benefits of entering the Baking Industry Awards. You do not have to be a finalist or a winner on the night to improve your personal or company profile and visibility. 
