New for 2011, The Rising Star Award is open to students, trainees or apprentice bakers, who have entered the baking industry in the past three years and are making a success of their studies or work. They can be at college, in the craft or plant industry, or working for a supermarket.

It is also open to bakers who have entered the trade in the past three years and can show that they are making a real difference to the success of the company by new product development or business skills.

“We need to know who the rising stars are and we need you to tell us. Help us encourage the achievers of the future.” David Powell, Category Sponsor.

The Rising Star Award - Closed

This award recognises the passion and dedication of UK craft businesses to offering the finest quality products and service and is open to all types of craft bakery. Entrants might specialise in one area such as artisan breads, pies or cakes, for example – or could produce a wide range of different products.

“We are seeking entrants who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in response to market trends, while delivering quality products.” Peter Hayes, ADM national sales manager for the bakery sector

The Craft Business Award - Closed

Sponsored by Renshaw for the last six years, this coveted award seeks to attract the most skilled and artistic bakers and cake decorators, with judges looking for results of the highest calibre.

The key to success in this category is being able to translate ideas into vibrant, exciting and imaginative cakes that deserve celebration.

“We are proud to be part of this inspirational award and offer celebration cake designers the opportunity to excel and inspire.” Sarah Summers, commercial director, Renshaw.

Celebration Cake Maker of the Year - Closed

This award is open to any individual with hands-on baking expertise. It does not matter whether you work in a large plant bakery or a small craft business. If baking high-quality products is your vocation, then Baker of the Year sponsor Vandemoortele wants to hear from you. This category is predominantly about the person rather than the company.

“2010 was a very tough year, so for Baker of the Year we will be looking for someone who can show that quality is all-important.” Stephen Bickmore, UK commercial manager, Vandemoortele’s Lipids Division

Baker of the Year - Closed

This award recognises suppliers who can show they have delivered best-in-class service and quality to customers in the face of changing market conditions.

The award is open to all kinds of bakery suppliers, from small artisan bakeries, mid-sized craft operations or large, industrial manufacturers.

“We are seeking out the best in the industry – those who deliver in a tough economic climate, placing the end-consumer first and drawing key business learnings from their partnership experiences.” Kim Brown, bakery category manager, Sainsbury's.

Bakery Supplier of the Year - Closed

This award recognises companies that are driving the sector forward. It is open to all sizes of bakery businesses, from small craft producers to the largest industrial manufacturers. Entrants may be in the retail, wholesale or foodservice market.

“This award is open to anybody and everybody who can show how they are making life better for consumers. During these difficult times it is vital we do as much as we can to help hard-pressed families via innovation in all areas of the industry.” John Cummings, category director for bakery, Asda.

The Innovation Award - Closed

This award is open to all supermarket ISBs, and all ISB managers who can demonstrate a well-tailored product range, good availability and ideas for maximising sales and promoting growth.

ISBs are an integral part of any shopping experience. With the recession, ISBs have had to work even harder to entice customers with innovative products and competitive prices.

“This award showcases the creativity and high standards from ISBs, which have a lot to offer in terms of product quality and variety.” Glenn Anderson, sales and operations director for the UK and Ireland, Dawn Foods.

The In-Store Bakery Award - Closed

This category gives the industry’s many talented confectioners a chance to showcase their talents.

Entries are welcome from all sectors of the baking industry – from traditional bakers and patissiers through to foodservice and supermarket confectioners.

Judges will be looking for finalists who can truly claim to be all-rounders. “Finalists must be able to demonstrate how they have risen to the challenge of today’s very competitive trading environment.” Simon Harris, UK gourmet business manager, Barry Callebaut

Confectioner of the Year - Closed

This category is open to bakers of all sizes, from small artisan businesses through to large automated manufacturers, making packaged or unwrapped breads. They could also be producing on a much larger scale supplying major supermarket chains and foodservice suppliers.

“The judges are seeking breads that are original, look and taste great, and have been a hit with customers. Firms should also be able to demonstrate impressive business skills, such as excellent customer service and clever marketing.” Ade Abass, MD, Bakel

Speciality Bread Product of the Year - Closed

This award aims to find the most customer-orientated bakery businesses in the country. Open to bakeries of all sizes, including craft, in-store bakeries and industrial manufacturers, the award recognises those companies that take customer service to a new level.

“In today’s challenging trading environment, simply meeting customers’ expectations is not nearly enough. The independent judges will be looking for firms that can demonstrate an excellent understanding of their customers’ needs and a high level of responsiveness to their individual requirements.” John Lindsay, country manager and business unit director, CSM (United Kingdom).

The Customer Focus Award - Closed