Robert Ditty took the title of Baker of the Year, sponsored by Vandemoortele at the 2011 Baking Industry Awards last night.

This year’s Brazilian carnival-themed event, which took place at Park Lane Hilton, was hosted by well-known TV presenter Richard Madeley.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, with entertainment from cabaret act Brazilian Fantasy, before letting their hair down on the dance floor, where band The Real Thing played a selection of their hits, or else at the casino tables.

For more on the event and a full list of the winners and finalists, with photos from the night, see the next issue of British Baker, out tomorrow (9 September).

See below for a full list of the winners:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Christopher Freeman, Dunn’s Bakery

BAKER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Robert Ditty, Ditty’s Home Bakery

BAKERY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Unifine Food & Bake Ingredients

CELEBRATION CAKE MAKER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Terry Tang, Terry Tang Designer Cakes

THE CRAFT BUSINESS AWARD
Winner: Barbakan Delicatessen

CONFECTIONER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black

THE CUSTOMER FOCUS AWARD
Winner: Monty’s Bakehouse

THE INNOVATION AWARD
Winner: Bachmanns Chocolate Christmas Pudding

IN-STORE BAKERY OF THE YEAR
Winner: Morrisons, Wincheap, Canterbury

THE RISING STAR AWARD
Winner: Mellissa Morgan, Ms. Cupcake

SPECIALITY BREAD PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Winner: Rosemary & Raisin Loaf, Bachmanns