BIA gets under way

This year’s carnival-themed Baking Industry Awards have been officially launched. Taking place on 7 September, they will once again be a celebration of all that is great in the industry. Turn to pages 14-21 to see which categories you can enter, or see www.bakeryawards.co.uk for more information.

High-rise bread prices

Bread and cereals prices rose by 2.9% in February, according to the Consumer Price Index. The data, compiled by the Office for National Statistics, showed that the hike was the second-highest month-on-month rise since records began in 1986.

Salty pie findings

Wetherspoons was found to have the highest level of salt in pub pie meals, according to a new study by CASH, with 7.5g per Chicken & Mushroom Pie meal. The pub chain has since pledged to reduce its salt levels. The saltiest supermarket pie was Waitrose’s Steak, Mushroom & White Wine pie at 2.69g per 270g portion. Nine out of 10 retail pies met 2010 salt targets.

Impulse results

Soft drinks sales in the impulse channel have risen ahead of the grocery multiples for the first time, according to the latest Britvic Soft Drinks Report. Impulse sales rose 7%, while sales in the foodservice channel were also up 9.4% in value to £284m.

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