Northern Irish bakery Irwin’s has achieved a 300-store Asda distribution deal for its Irish Batch range.

Budget mince pies received good ratings in a taste test on the website of independent consumer group Which? Netto’s mince pies were the cheapest tested at £1.19 for a box of six, but were rated more highly than Harrods’ pies which cost five times more at £5.95.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published revised guidance for country of origin labelling. It has been designed to benefit consumers and to further the FSA’s commitment to improve food labelling and to encourage consistency.

Demand for Welsh Cakes at The Village Bakery, near Wrexham, has soared after they were named Reserve Champion at the True Taste of Wales Awards, within the category for large producers for baked and confectionary products.

There’s not long left to register for the Baking Industry Summit 2008, on 27 November, so make sure you reserve your delegate place now. The Summit, which will focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is taking place at One Great George Street, London, and will host a variety of top speakers, including Lucy Neville-Rolfe, executive director (corporate & legal affairs), Tesco.