Bakery management software CyBake is being trialled by clothing and food retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) across a selection of its in-store bakeries.

The technology, produced by York-based RedBlack Software, will help M&S implement its Plan A commitment to reduce waste by more accurately predicting demand and optimising baking times to maximise freshness.

Lance Bennett, senior IT project manager at M&S, said: “For this trial, we wanted to work with a specialist bakery sector provider.

“The proposal by the CyBake team fitted the bill perfectly. I have been impressed with their agility when it comes to development and their rapid responsiveness to our suggestions.”

The announcement comes on top of RedBlack announcing a partnership with German company Distpotool. Together, they are offering an interface which combines their software systems into a more complete and efficient bakery management system.