Pastry focus at show

SIAB, the Italian bakery show, which takes place in Verona on 22-26 May, will be featuring one hall dedicated to pastry. It has also launched an area to highlight packaging, marketing and distribution. Key features of the show will include a revival of Renaissance Breads and also specialist breads in Breads of the World, as well as Breads for Restaurants. To register or for more information, see www.siabweb.com or phone 00 39 045 829 8111.

Firkins’ expansion

According to expressandstar.com three new Firkins Bakeries shops are due to open this month. The first has already opened in Harborne and sites in Dudley and Bearwood are due to open soon. In March this year, BB reported that the West Midlands firm now trading as Newbridge Bakery was in advanced negotiations for a further five shops in the region, with the Harborne shop deal already completed.

FreeFrom award

Pure Flavour has won this year’s FAIR Trophy for the overall best FreeFrom Food, for its gluten-, wheat- and dairy-free Lemon and Vanilla Sponge, at the FreeFrom Food Awards 2010. The Innovation Award for the best new product in 2010 was won by The Gluten Free Kitchen for its seeded rolls.

Sandwich promotion

Don’t forget to promote your sarnies during British Sandwich Week, which runs from 9-15 May. Organised by the British Sandwich Association (BSA), the trade event can be used by sandwich-makers in whatever way they want to promote themselves. However, the BSA does request that the official logo is used. If you haven’t got it yet it is available on request by emailing jim@sandwich.org.uk.