Want to showcase your skills and the quality of your work to peers and potential customers? Then sign up for the 2019 Britain’s Best Loaf competition!

The contest has become a key date in the baking industry calendar – and last year attracted a record number of more than 200 entries.

The 2019 competition, sponsored by spelt supplier Craggs & Co, will take place at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 8 April.

This year there are six categories, including Gluten Free, Innovation, White and Wholegrain.

And, following huge interest in the sourdough category and to reflect this fast-developing market, we have split this into two categories:

  • Traditional Sourdough (made 100% by fermentation using naturally occurring lactobacillus and the capture of wild yeasts through a starter dough), and
  • Sourdough (sourdough bread produced by the addition of cultivated yeast and/or the addition of a commercial sourdough product)

The winning loaf from each of the six categories will be in the running to take the ultimate accolade of Britain’s Best Loaf.

Industry professionals will once again judge the contest, which has captured the hearts of professional bakers across the country and can deliver real benefits for your business.

Previous winners have said their success has helped boost sales and led to new listings.

Bakers interested in taking part in this year’s contest should visit britainsbestloaf.co.uk for more information and to enter online. The deadline for entries is 11 March, and there is an entry fee of £20+VAT for each product.

“This is always a hard-fought competition and we expect it to be more so than ever this year as interest in sourdough and other artisan-style breads continues to grow,” said British Baker editor Vince Bamford.

“The judges will again have to make some tough decisions in determining who wins the individual category awards and, of course, takes home the top trophy.”

The Farm Shop & Deli Show is being held from 8-10 April 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham, and will once again offer a fantastic selection of products from local and regional suppliers.