Finalists revealed for Speciality Bread Product of the Year 2024

Two sourdoughs and a fruit-packed sweet loaf are the finalists in the Speciality Bread Product of the Year category at the Baking Industry Awards 2024.

Sponsored by Bako, the category aims to champion loaves that look and taste great, are baked well, and meet consumer needs. 

Here’s the trio that have progressed to the final round:

Extra Special Apple Raisin & Cinnamon Fruit Loaf, Asda

This 400g loaf is described as bursting with apple pieces, sweet raisins, and currants along with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a ‘sourdough touch’. It is produced via a 30-hour long fermentation process with a single cut on top to showcase the fruit inclusions.

Asda called it a great breakfast treat with ‘standalone wow factor’, while noting its versatility for many occasions. ‘Consumers are always on the lookout for new taste experience and biting into a bit escapism,’ added the retailer.

Judges were drawn to its alluring aroma and praised the “plentiful juicy pieces that were well distributed”.

Sprouted Ancient Grain Sourdough, Stir Bakery

Comprised of 30% sprouted grains – emmer, einkorn, spelt, and rye – which provide a bittersweet, nutty flavour, this loaf uses low acid, natural leaven, gentle kneading, and a long slow rise to preserve the strength of softer wholegrain flours.

It taps into the health trend increasingly demanded by Stir’s customers at its café outlets across Cambridge – a retail estate which is set to grow after it recently smashed its crowdfunding target. The loaf is described as nutrient dense and high in fibre, offering health-consious consumers an alternative to white bread.

Judges considered the loaf to be well presented in its own plywood stable with Stir branding on top. “Its appearance has something extra,” commented one judge, while another said the “sourness is spot on” and that they could also taste the seeds inside the bread.

Rye Berry Sourdough, Lovingly Artisan

This dark rye sourdough miche is created with rye flour from Gilchesters Organics plus the addition of juicy cranberries, a superfood naturally high in antioxidants that support the immune system. It has a rich brown colour and crackled crust, with a deep malty and caramel flavour. Very high dough temperature and precise mixing and timing through each stage of the process are needed.

Cumbria-based Lovingly Artisan was a finalist in the category last year and will look to go one further with its sourdough, which it said was gorgeous as morning toast or with a chunk of cheese or smothering of pâté.

The “lovely appearance” was appreciated by the judges, with one saying the “flavour combination with fruit worked so well”.

Join us for a night of celebration

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony on Thursday 24 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The ceremony, hosted by a yet-to-be-revealed celebrity, will also feature a presentation for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry, sponsored by Délifrance.

Tickets for the awards are available now via the Baking Industry Awards website. Individual tickets cost £330+VAT and a table of 10 costs £3,300+VAT.

The event includes a dazzling drinks reception, a three-course dinner with wine and coffee, and an afterparty complete with snacks and entertainment to help you celebrate into the early morning.

Get your tickets here: https://bakeryawards.co.uk/live/en/page/attend