Peter’s new depot

Pie producer Peter’s has opened a 45,000sq ft multi-temperature distribution depot in Sidcup to help it expand its distribution operation in London and the south east by more than 20%. The new facility features improved office and conference areas and increased storage and picking facilities for frozen, chilled and ambient goods.

Nero in bullish mood

Caffè Nero has shrugged off pressures from the economy by ploughing on with its growth plans for 2011. The 475-outlet chain, which grew by 75 stores in 2010, plans to open another 50 in 2011, despite the VAT rise and high unemployment.

Amateur baker hunt

The BBC has launched a new search for amateur bakers following the success of the last series of The Great British Bake-Off. Candidates who wish to apply for series two cannot have their main source of income from commercial baking and/or cooking in a professional environment and cannot have ever worked full-time as a baker.

McMeikan heads CBI

Greggs chief executive Ken McMeikan has now taken up the role of chairman of the Confederation of British Industry, as announced last year. He will remain in the role for two years until January 2013.

Bread education

The Real Bread Campaign is launching the Bake Your Lawn scheme on 24 January in a bid to spread knowledge about ’real bread’ to the next generation. The scheme will encourage children around Britain to plant wheat in February and March, and to follow its journey from seed to sandwich. A free-to-download pack will be available from www.realbreadcampaign.org.