Jerome Smail
As deputy editor, Jerome writes news, features and more for British Baker while reaching out to the baking industry for comment.
He has worked as a journalist for over 25 years, covering a diverse range of areas from paintball to payroll. Now dividing his time between British Baker and sister title Food Manufacture, he loves getting his teeth into bakery – both literally and metaphorically – discovering the latest products and innovations, analysing industry developments and attempting to come up with new puns on the word ‘cake’.
Contact info
- Tel:
- 01293 610205
- Email:
- jerome.smail@wrbm.com
NewsGreggs unveils vegan sausage bean and cheese melt
The food-to-go giant is launching its new vegan sausage, bean & cheeze pastry nationwide from 5 August
- News
Baker & Baker recruiting Daventry staff to deal with demand
The baked goods manufacturer is adding around 30 employees to the plant’s headcount as the easing of pandemic restrictions has resulted in increased production
- Interview
How Joe’s Bakery made Britain’s Best Loaf 2021
British Baker caught up with Joe’s Bakery owner Martin Hunt to find out about the origins of the winning prune & cardamom loaf and the bakery behind it
- News
British Bakels achieves AA standard in BRCGS audit
The baking ingredients manufacturer said the accreditation reflects its commitment to food safety standards throughout the business
- News
Puratos to launch British-made living sourdough
The ingredients specialist said the new product is intended to help bakers meet current and future tastes and needs of consumers
- Feature
What does the modern milling industry look like?
Far from the enduring public perception of picturesque windmills and dusty workers, the UK milling sector is a hive of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated operations
- News
Allied Bakeries restructure plan puts redundancies on table
The bakery giant’s proposals involve the closure of its Orpington distribution depot and the ending of wrapped bread production at its Glasgow plant
- News
Birds Bakery announces death of chairman
Nicholas Bird has died aged 63, survived by wife and Birds COO Lesley Bird and three sons
- News
Mr Kipling sales continue to rise for Premier Foods
The group’s Q1 trading update showed a 7.5% growth in revenue for the cake brand following sales hitting £150m in the last financial year
- News
Bakkavor buoyed by second-quarter sales figures
The sandwich, dessert and pizza manufacturer said UK like-for-like sales increased 12% compared with the corresponding period of 2020
- Feature
How can bakers source packaging that ticks the right boxes?
It’s a necessity in food and drink, but packaging needn’t be a necessary evil. There are ways – and plenty of good reasons – to protect the planet as well as your products
- News
Warrens Bakery reports performance improvement
The bakery chain’s latest accounts show turnover stood at £7.4m in April 2021 and a £1.1m EBITDA has been forecast for the year ending 30 June 2021
- News
Salt and sugar tax proposals met with mixed reaction
Industry figures and campaigners react to the National Food Strategy’s call for a reformulation levy on processed food
- News
National Food Strategy recommends sugar and salt tax
The independent review, set up to advise the UK government, has also proposed mandatory reporting for food companies with over 250 employees
- News
Summer bakery NPD: Danish delicacies to vegan snack bars
Fatherson, Oggs and Bridor are among the bakery brands to launch new products for the summer months
- News
Chief executive Smith to leave SSP Group
The Upper Crust owner will now begin the process to identify a successor, with the current incumbent stepping down at the end of 2021 for a new opportunity
- News
Finsbury Food Group records ‘almost pre-pandemic’ revenues
The bakery manufacturer’s update on trading for the full financial year shows the H2 figure was up 9.1% against the corresponding period for 2020
- Feature
GDR eyes Just Gluten Free growth after Covid disruption
Managing director Ronnie Stebbings discusses building the business from the concept of an egg-free loaf and his joy at winning two Baking Industry Awards
- Feature
CBA survey shows bread sales rise for 31% of craft bakers
Figures from the trade body also reveal the enduring appeal of white bread and rising popularity for speciality loaves
- News
Bakels and Waterfield’s team up for Country Oven launch
The Golden Grains and High Fibre health-focused bread lines will be available in Booths from mid-July
