But for the intervention of one of its customers, Stuart's of Buckhaven would probably have been making a note in the diary to celebrate its 150th anniversary some time in the year 2020. In the event, the company has been marking this milestone in 2007.

Gingerbread houses are very common throughout Europe, particularly at Christmas time. They are relatively simple to make, and will look fabulous in your shop during the festive season. Children adore them.

January

]Since May, prices for Argentine and Mexican honey have continued to decline, despite a weak US Dollar, according to Fuerst Day Lawson's (FDL) Market Report: 30 October 2007 on honey.

In the US, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, reported an 11.7% revenue decreased to $103.4m for the third quarter ended 28 October, 2007, despite the closure of 17 factory stores, 12 US domestic stores and 25 franchises. Third-quarter sales decreased approximately 2.6% from the third quarter of last year, while the net loss was $798,000, compared to a loss of $7.2m in the comparable 2006 period.

Associated British Foods (ABF) said the proportion of its profits earned by its UK-based operations now accounted for less than half of the total, compared to almost three-quarters at the turn of the century.

The Federation of Bakers (FoB) is set to relaunch its website in a bid to reach more consumers.

It has been quite a momentous year. Flour and other commodity prices have seen very steep increases. Big names such as Inter Link have been sold to McCambridge while Lightbodys of Hamilton and Finsbury Foods forged a partnership that took many by surprise.

The past year has seen plenty of highs and lows. Chairman Peter Freeman of the Competition Commission reported back its latest findings, which didn't promise anything positive to give a level playing field on the high street or protect the independents from the domination of the big four in a multitude of areas.

A team from Roberts Bakery has completed the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a children's charity.

Troubled bakery group Bakery Services is set to sell its two operating divisons, Inbake and Don Millers, to current directors Keith Bentley and David Drury for £50,000.

With salt levels in bread and bakery products in the UK ever under scrutiny, a new global study claims that efforts to cut down on salt intake will prevent millions of deaths each year. By reducing salt around the world by 15%, the study claimed, this could prevent almost nine million deaths between 2006 and 2015.

Food group Greencore has announced that its chief executive, David Dilger, will retire in March and Patrick Coveney, currently chief financial officer, will succeed him from that date.

A two-day strike by staff at Warburtons, due to take place this week, was called off after an improved pay deal was offered.

A man was stabbed through the heart at Warburtons' bakery in Bellshill after a row over tea breaks, a court was told this week.

Latest pricing data shows how own-label and budget breads have seen minimal price increases over 2007, with the big brands also slow to increase prices, despite steep rises in the cost of ingredients.

Walkers Shortbread chairman Peter Simpson has stepped down to be replaced by new non-executive chairman Michael Walker of financial public relations company Broadgate Marketing. He is not related to the Walker family that owns the business. Simpson stays on as non-executive director.

The Home-Grown Cereals Autho-rity (HGCA) will hold its annual Processor Conference in March, entitled 'Food for Thought: Future Challenges'.

Francesa Tomkins, a Level 2 Bakery Student from the Birmingham College of Food, has been crowned winner of the recent Kenwood 'Let Them Eat Cake' competition.

n Which are the UK's biggest high street bakery chains? Watch out for the latest annual British Baker Top 50 Bakery Retailers' league table 2008 in the 11 January issue!

A man was stabbed through the heart at Warburtons’ bakery in Bellshill after a row over tea breaks, a court has been told. See 14 Dec British Baker