A brand new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the baking industry has been launched at the House of Commons to help discuss particular areas of concern and examining relevant policies.
Composed of representatives from UK-based bakery, milling, and wheat growing firms, as well as trade associations and MPs from all political parties, the group’s establishment marks the first time that the baking sector has been represented in parliament.
It follows a ‘Bread Heroes’ campaign spearheaded by The Food Awards Company founder Caroline Kenyon, which saw her photographer son Henry travel the country during the pandemic to capture the work of bakers striving to continue feeding the nation. Upon his return, he remarked “It’s not the Church of England keeping the country together – it’s bakers”.
Kenyon noted how the Bread Heroes campaign helped highlight to her the necessity for such representation. “When we decided to pause the Awards in 2023, due to the pressures under which we knew the bakers were struggling, it became a personal mission to support such a wonderful and important industry,” she commented. “I could not be more delighted that this is happening, with great support from Karen Dear at the Craft Bakers Association.”
Henry Kenyon’s collection of Bread Heroes photos were exhibited at launch event yesterday (2 July), which was also attended by parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as key industry figures such as Peter Baker, Master of the Worshipful Company of Bakers.
Assuming the role of chair of the new APPG is Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Steff Aquarone. “Representing a rural seat with many UK wheat growers and small town high streets, I know just how critical bakers are to feeding the community and how much we need the supply chain behind them,” he commented. Aquarone will be joined by Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, Will Forster, serving as vice chair, and Labour MP for South Norfolk, Ben Goldsborough, as an officer.
According to the UK government’s website, APPGs are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within parliament. They are formed by MPs and members of the House of Lords who share a common interest in a particular policy area, region, or country, and can also choose to involve individuals and organisations from outside parliament in their administration and activities.
Examples of subjects that APPGs have been based on include Climate Change, Obesity, and School Food. As with others, the APPG for the baking industry will need to hold at least two meetings per reporting year (including an AGM). While having no formal place in the legislature, they are seen to be an effective way of bringing together parliamentarians and interested stakeholders.
CBA names president elect
In other trade news, the Craft Bakers Association (CBA) has announced the appointment of Ivor McKane as president elect. He will officially take over the honourary role from John Foster MBE for the 2025/26 term at the CBA Business Day on 16 September.
Over a career in the baking industry that spans more than three decades, McKane is said to have built a reputation as a dynamic and principled leader, combining deep industry knowledge with a passion for preserving and promoting the heritage of craft baking. He progressed with increasingly senior roles within Unilever and latterly CSM Ingredients, including his most recent position as sales director & country delegate.
McKane has also been a steadfast advocate for traditional baking skills and innovation, with previous trade roles including president of the Association of Bakery Ingredient Manufacturers (ABIM), president of the Association of Bakery Students & Trainees (ABST) and chairman of Craft Bakers Week. He is also liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers.
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