The Farm Shop & Deli Awards’ Baker of the Year finalists have been announced. 

One of 12 different categories at The Farm Shop & Deli Awards, the Baker of the Year finalists are Bondgate Bakery of Otley, Leeds; Dee Light Bakery of Balham, London; and Hambleton Bakery of Exton, Rutland. The winner will be announced at the show, which runs from 18-20 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

The awards, in partnership with Olives Et Al, celebrate the best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in the sector.

The team of judges, which includes experts from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media, carried out a series of secret visits to see the bakers in action. Scores will now be counted and judged, along with online votes from consumers, ahead of unveiling the winner.

Nigel Barden, chairman of judges, said: “The artisan food and drink market is particularly competitive, and it’s crucial that we recognise those who are championing the sector by leading from the front. It’s important that they can be acknowledged by the public and their peers in the trade.”

The Great New Idea competition will also be judged that week. Celebrating new product developments in food and drink, the industry will vote on their favourite innovation from entered products in both the Farm Shop & Deli Awards and Foodex, which runs concurrently at the NEC, Birmingham.