British Baker is delighted to announce all 31 finalists for the Baking Industry Awards 2011.

The Brazilian carnival-themed black-tie event will take place at the Park Lane Hilton on Wednesday 7 September, and will be hosted by TV presenter Richard Madeley.

Commenting on the entries for Baker of the Year, sponsor Vandemoortele’s Stephen Bickmore, UK commercial manager of the firm’s lipids division, said the numbers were up on last year, and the quality, this year, was one of the best they had had.

"This was borne out by the calibre of all three of the finalists," he said. "In fact, four of the six bakers that got through to round two could have made the final, but we had to narrow it down to three."

David Powell, sponsor of The Rising Star Award said he was very encouraged for the future by the quantity and quality of entries. "There are some very talented people coming through to help shape and lead our industry. I was amazed at how many of the entrants had either already started their own businesses or were working towards that goal and showed a strong entrepreneurial spirit."

British Baker editor Sylvia Macdonald, who helped judge a number of the categories, said that the quality of entries this year had been excellent. "Some of those shortlisted, who did not make the final three, were so close; sometimes, it was just half a point difference.

"Overall, the quality of businesses that entered makes you so proud to be part of the trade. The sponsors were very fair and impartial, seeking to raise stan-dards and reward excellence. There are some great businesses in the finals. And many more out there who should try again."

Tables at the event are selling fast, so to be in with a chance of attending the Awards, please contact Elizabeth Ellis on 01293 846593 or email elizabeth.ellis@wrbm.com. To find out more about the awards, please visit www.bakeryawards.co.uk.


The finalists:

Baker of the Year
Robert Ditty, Ditty’s, Castledawson;David Smart, Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery; Christopher Freeman, Dunn’s Bakery

Celebration Cake Maker of the Year
Terry Tang, Terry Tang Designer Cakes; Caroline Occleston, The Cake Shop Liverpool; Andrea Campbell Jackson, Shuga Budz

The Customer Focus Award
Montys Bakehouse; Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery; The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys

Confectioner of the Year
Lisa Boyles, Cooplands; Chris Bachmann, Bachmanns; Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black

The Craft Business Award
Barbakan Delicatessen; Dumouchel; Gerrards Confectioners

The Innovation Award
Warburtons Sandwich Thins; Bachmanns Chocolate Christmas Pudding; Puratos Puravita Breakfast

Bakery Supplier of the Year
Unifine Food & Bake Ingredients; Higgidy; The Bread Factory

Speciality Bread Product of the Year
Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery Sweet Caribbean Brioche Nanterre; The Thoughtful Bread Company The Slow Grana Padano Bread; Bachmanns - Rosemary and Raisin Loaf

In-Store Bakery of the Year
Asda, Nuneaton; Morrisons, Canterbury; Sainsbury’s, Cambridge; Asda, Bristol

Rising Star
Craig Wright, Arthur Chatwin; Mellissa Morgan, Ms Cupcake; James Walton, Dough 2 b Different