Online Bakery Business of the Year 2022 finalists named

Over-the-top doughnuts, lovingly crafted sourdough loaves and traditional Yorkshire baked goods are available from the finalists in this category which is new for the Baking Industry Awards 2022.

Sponsored by IFF, the category recognises the growing role online platforms play in the sale of baked goods.

Here are the three finalists for Online Bakery Business of the Year:

Lottie Shaw’s

Turnover at Lottie Shaw’s grew by 138% last year with online orders accounting for 60% of the total. From its bakery in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, this family-owned third generation business bakes from scratch and offers several signature recipes such as Yorkshire Parkin. Since the business first went online in 2019 it has garnered over 4,750 reviews – 98% of which are five-star.

During Covid the bakery developed a corporate gift section which grew so quickly from 40 to 4,000 orders a week that Lottie Shaw’s integrated its systems with DPD’s to increase efficiency. The judges commended the bakery for its delivery service, clear pricing, quality products, and ambition to set up an online international gifting service.

Lovingly Artisan

Products ordered from the Lovingly Artisan site arrived with a handwritten note on how to store the products and best enjoy them which, said the judges, was a great added touch that fitted with the ethos of the main bakery.

The bakery’s online business was, like many, established during Covid, and developed to maintain the company’s core values and ‘Northern Soul’. Each loaf dispatched is wrapped in branded eco-friendly bags which are lined with natural wax to keep them fresher for longer. The judges praised the ease of site ordering, plus the product quality on arrival.

Project D

This online bakery business delivers luxury, hand decorated doughnuts to doorsteps cross the UK and promotes its product via occasional pop-up stands announced on its social channels. Last year it achieved a 20% year-on-year increase in turnover.

The business was set up in 2018 by three friends who are all still aged under 30 and aim their product firmly at other millennials. The judges said the brightly coloured and cheekily named products were delicious and they had had trouble selecting from among the fashionable fillings. They praised the site as easy to navigate and said product arrived swiftly in pristine condition on every order.