British artisan baker Wayne Caddy has won an international award and a place in exclusive culinary club Elite de la Boulangerie Internationale (EBI).

Caddy, head of baking at The School of Artisan Food, has been given the prestigious Elite de la Boulangerie Internationale award, automatically making him a member of the invite-only EBI culinary club

“Baking is a passion for me. I’m always trying to discover more about the science of bread baking and how to develop the techniques to make a better bread,” said Caddy.

He has represented the UK previously at Paris-based artisan baking competition Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, and has judged on a select panel at The Masters de la Boulangerie earlier this year, where professional bakers competed for the sought-after ‘World Master Baker’ title. The event was held in conjunction with the Europain exhibition, the largest exhibition in the field of bakery, pastry and chocolate.

Caddy uses his 20 years of industry experience to teach pupils at the School of Artisan Food, a registered charity that offers an Advanced Diploma and courses in artisanal baking.

Dubbed ‘Daddy Caddy’ by his students, he shows them how to make products including traditional baguettes and wood-fired pizzas.

He said more than 90% of the school’s graduates go on to find employment, with many becoming head bakers or business owners.