In Short

Tesco reported a 12.3% rise in annual profits to £2.12 billion - up from £1.89bn - and, despite criticism, insisted its Fresh and Easy stores in the US have seen strong growth. It said sales in the current financial year were up more than 13% across the group over the first five weeks.

Royal opening

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall opened the new head office of Walkers Shortbread, a bakery in Aberlour-on-Spey, which exports to 80 countries and has more than 1,000 employees in the area. The family business was founded in 1898, with a single shop in the village.

BIA deadline nears

Readers are urged to get their entries in fast to the Baking Industry Awards. There are 11 categories to enter and first-time entrants and those who have not won before are particularly welcome.

The awards, now in their 21st year, will enjoy a Las Vegas theme, (no fancy dress required) and will take place on Monday 15 September at the Grosvenor House hotel, Park Lane, London. For earlybird tickets please email: elizabeth.ellis@william-reed.co.uk or tel 01293 846595. For details of how to enter visit http://www.bakeryawards.co.uk or tel 01293 610433. See pg 17 for more details.

Icecraft date extended

Entry to the competition for the Icecraft Trophy and the chance to secure the accolade of most talented cake confectioner has been extended until 31 May by sponsors British Sugar, Knightbridge PME and ICHF. Participants can design and decorate a cake using 2.5kg of British Sugar's Icecraft Sugarpaste in order to compete for the trophy and a £500 winner's cheque.

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