Bakers now have until Monday 3 April to submit their loaves for this year’s Britain’s Best Loaf competition.
The event – sponsored by ADM Milling, Bako Group, Brook Food & Bakery Equipment and Lesaffre UK & Ireland – takes place on Tuesday 25 April 2023 at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham.
Here, a panel of expert judges will prod, sniff, and taste every loaf to determine the winners across seven categories. These loaves will then battle it out for the ultimate title of Britain’s Best Loaf 2023.
The seven categories include a brand new one for 2023 – International. This category seeks out the best bread first conceived outside of Britain. Think soda bread, focaccia, fougasse, baguettes, ciabatta and more. However, as with all categories, the bakery that creates it must be in Britain.
The categories are:
- Gluten free
- Flavoured Sourdough
- Innovation
- International
- Plain Sourdough
- White
- Wholegrain
What are the judges looking for?
All loaves are scored based on their external appearance, internal structure, aroma, and taste.
“An award-winning loaf hits a high level of quality in all key areas of the product,” explained Katie-Joy Woods, subject matter expert – bread ingredients – at Jacksons Bakery.
“This could be the softness and resilience of a white loaf or the unique taste profile of a sourdough. The appearance must be appealing and inviting, and for me, bread also evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. A champion bread sparks interest, leaving you wanting more.”
Woods will be joined on the judging panel by four-time Britain’s Best Loaf champion Lee Smith from Poppyseed Bakery, Craft Bakers Association president Neil Woods, reigning Baker of the Year Peter Doughty-Cook, and a host of other industry experts who will be revealed in the coming weeks.
How to enter
Bakeries can enter as many categories as they like but there is a limit of five entries per category. Entries cost £30 plus VAT each and must be submitted via the Britain’s Best Loaf website where you will find full details, including the criteria for each category.
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