Coffee Republic chairman Peter Breach has promised to “forcefully address” the “disappointingly weak” performance of its company-owned coffee shops.

Paul Morrow, MD of British Bakels has appointed Ian Dobbie as new MD designate from October 1.

Dave Brooks, the chief executive of major own-brand premium cakes supplier Finsbury Food Group, who steered the business into its number two position within the UK cake industry, is to step down from his role with effect from 29 September.

Warburtons is kicking off a national promotion of its wholemeal range this September, in order to give the nation a ‘fibre boost’. It is also launching a mini online drama called ‘The Seeds of Love’ featuring its Seeded Batch Loaf. Warburtons’ Fibre Provider campaign follows on where its 2007 campaign, ‘Are you getting enough’ left off. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of fibre in peoples’ diets. The Nation’s Fibre Provider is running across its wholemeal range, and emphasising its recently launched Wholemeal Fibre Boost.

Former Sara Lee and Heinz Foods’ processing facilities are to be offered for sale by tender.

Online training provider The Bakery School is adding a further module to its 40-module bakery training portfolio.

Starbucks will be introducing a new collection of coffee in selected stores in the US.

Former Sara Lee and Heinz Foods’ processing facilities are to be offered for sale by tender. The entire contents of the food processing machinery located at the former confectionery manufacturer Sara Lee a world-renowned manufacturer of baked goods and confectionery are being offered by Pro Auction, as well as Sara Lee bakery equipment for pizza processing and sauce manufacturing from the former Heinz plant in Grimsby.

Staff at a branch of Northampton-based bakery retail Oliver Adams have been robbed of £600 at gunpoint by a masked raider.

Greggs has appointed a new general manager for the Midlands. Ian Bagnall will be responsible for the 168 shops located in the Midlands as well as the company’s bakery operations in Birmingham.

Esquires Coffee Houses is to expand its Irish franchisee network by opening three new cafes in Dublin, Cork and Naas in County Kildare by the end of 2008.

Greencore has revealed a 7.5% reduction in turnover to $284m (£225m) for the four months to the end of July, blaming “a notable deterioration in consumer sentiment in the UK since June” and the strength of the Euro against the pound.

Starbucks has confirmed that the head of its UK and Ireland operations has stepped down. Managing director Phil Broad has been replaced by Darcy Willson-Rymer, previously vice-president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Food and drink manufacturers are being encouraged to invest in the future of young talent by supporting a new qualification.

Starbucks has confirmed that the head of its UK and Ireland operations has stepped down. Managing director Phil Broad has been replaced by Darcy Willson-Rymer, previously vice-president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The Hairy Bakers will hit our screens tonight with a new series on BBC2 looking at all things bakery.

Dave Myers and Simon King, known as the Hairy Bikers will embark on a journey across the UK to discover the best of British baking. They’ll meet with top millers and bakers and test out various recipes along the way, from gourmet bread and pies to ornate wedding cakes.

Walkers brand ambassador Gary Lineker returns to TV screens this month as part of the crisp brand’s latest promotion.

Farm-pressed juice company, Chegworth Valley Juices, has launched its new organic range, to include: pear juice, single variety Bramley, Cox and Discovery apple juices and apple & beetroot. The juices, in 250ml bottles, are made using hand-selected fruit and contain no added sugar, sweeteners, concentrates, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Coca Cola is to relaunch its Lilt brand this summer.

Healthy option soft drinks look to be the key driver in terms of the UK soft drinks market, according to a new report published by Zenith International.

Join in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas at this years’ Baking Industry Awards 2008. Last year was our biggest awards yet with over 900 attendees and we’re hoping to make this years’ premier industry event even bigger and better. Tickets are selling like hot cakes, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Pudding Lane:

The Speciality & Fine Food Fair London, taking place at the Grand Hall at Olympia, London, will feature over 700 exhibitors, catering for everyone from delis and independent retailers to chefs and restaurateurs looking to source artisan food and drink.

La Pizza, a privately owned manufacturer of dough balls, tear-and-share garlic bread and Mediterranean speciality breads, supplying into the foodservice industry, has developed a range of healthier frozen part-baked pizza bases. All products contain less than 1% salt and are made using natural ingredients, containing no preservatives or GM products.

Food Partners has developed a new sandwich brand - Taste4life - focused on health and sophistication. The range will include more than 50 sandwiches and related products and has been launched in outlets including coffee shops and catering suppliers.

Marco Beverage Systems has added the Maxibrew Freshcup to its product range. The bulk filter coffee brewer is programmed to dispose of stale coffee after a pre-set period of time, to avoid customers accidentally being served old coffee.

Farmhouse Fare is to launch its first-ever range of twin packs. The Lancashire-based company is seeking to widen its appeal beyond family-sized desserts and has brought out a range of 120g x 2 individual portion puddings including: luxury sticky chocolate and orange pudding, sticky carrot cake pudding and luxury sticky banoffee toffee pudding, as well as organic varieties - luxury sticky toffee pudding and sticky chocolate pudding.

The Coffee Machine Company has added a new espresso machine to its range. The company is the sole importer of Rancilio espresso machines and has now launched the Classe 6 Compact Tall model. The new machine is fully automatic with full 2-group functionality, and has been designed with coffee shops and takeaway outlets in mind.

Meiko UK has added Disaperator food waste disposers to its range of warewashing appliances.

Ishida Europe has introduced a new range of 'Screw Feed' multi-head weighers, which enable the automatic handling of fresh 'sticky' products such as seafood and meat. The design incorporates rotating corkscrews with the familiar circular multi-head layout, replacing traditionally used radial feed troughs.

Ultraviolet (UV) treatment equipment manufacturer Kaiku Process Solutions (KPS) has launched its new Bioguard system to help combat the dangers of cross-contamination.

Terry Sharp Head, Baking & Cereals Processing Department CCFRA

Welsh baker Lewis Pies, based in Swansea, has struck a deal with supermarket chain Carrefour, one of Europe's leading supermarket chains.

Starbucks has reported a net loss of $6.7m (£3.4m) in the three months to the end of June, compared to a $158.3m (£79.9m) third-quarter profit last year, against a background of store closures and plans to cut 1,000 office jobs in the US.

The American Bakers' Asso- ciation has condemned the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) refusal to release land from its Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to allow farmers to meet food demands and help curb soaring cereal prices.

Union officials are meeting representatives of Northern Foods this week, after the company announced plans to shut one of its biscuit factories.

Administrators for Scottish coffee chain Beanscene have received more than 50 expressions of interest for the business.

Bookings are now being taken for the Bakers' Fair North, to be held at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium on Sunday 19 October.

The market for cakes and cake bars has increased by 7% in value last year to reach £1.52bn. But while nearly two-thirds of consumers eat them, penetration levels and frequency of use are declining, according to research from Mintel.

Greggs has published a strong set of results for the half-year to June.

Japanese-specialist bakery franchise Beard Papa is planning to link up with major developers to unveil 20 more stores in shopping centres in England by 2010, following success in Asia and the US.

Coffee shop chain Gloria Jean's plans to expand the current nine-shop franchise to 150.

Premier Foods is adding four loaves to Hovis' 400g range to tap into a "key growth sector".

A Labour MP has accused former Lyndale Group chief executive Michael Quinlan and chairman Sandy Birnie of plotting the reorganisation in the Group's affairs that led to Lyndale Foods Ltd going into administration.

It's been a hard-fought contest, but British Baker can now reveal the finalists in four more categories of our Baking Industry Awards 2008.

Greggs and Kerry Foods are to oppose plans to give Cornish pasties Protected Geographic Indication (PGI), preventing producers outside Cornwall from using the label.

Cornish baker Rowe’s is to sponsor another two local sports clubs - Redruth Rugby Club and Penryn RFC. Rowes’s already sponsors local clubs, Cornish Pirates and Penryn Athletic and the two new acquisitions have seen its sponsorship deals double.

Don't waste time - register now for Bakers' Fair North - the UK's only regional exhibition for bakers, cafes and related businesses.

Heinz has launched a five-strong range of soups for the foodservice sector.

Four hundred of the most influential top executives from across the European coffee and foodservice sector will gather at a major industry event to discuss the latest trends and key issues in the fast-growing branded coffee chain market.

Organic pork pie maker, Brockleby’s, has been given the royal thumbs up.

Bodmin-based handmade pasty manufacturer, Proper Cornish Food Company, has secured a contract to supply its pasties and sausage rolls to Spar stores across the south west of England.

Costa Coffee has opened its first store in Beijing, to coincide with the start of the 2008 Olympic games.

Greggs has released a strong set of sales figures for the half-year to June.

Tameside college student Ben Sutton has been selected by the Worshipful Company of Bakers to receive a scholarship worth £1,500 to travel abroad to further his knowledge to the benefit of the Baking Industry.

Table spaces are selling fast for British Baker's Baking Industry Awards 2008, to be held at London's Grosvenor House on 15 September.

Doughnut giant Krispy Kreme UK has reported a strong growth in revenue for the 12 months to 31 January 2008.

The Californian almond crop for 2008/9 should produce 1.5m lbs of almond “meat” – the usable part of the nut, minus the shell - according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s statistics service.

Products from Welsh bakers Lewis Pies will soon be seen on Spanish supermarket shelves, after a deal was struck with supermarket chain Carrefour.

South African branded food and healthcare company Tiger Brands is to buy consumer chocolate manufacturer Chococam.

Tiger Brands intend to acquire 74.7% of Cameroon based Chococam from cocoa and chocolate product manufacturer, Barry Callebaut, with the remainder of the shares being held by a number of small private shareholders.

Scottish coffee chain Beanscene has gone into administration after its new backers were unable to continue with necessary cash injections.

Beanscene has 14 outlets across Scotland, which will continue trading under administrators KPMG.

Despite increasing fears of a recession, new research suggests a higher number of consumers feel they will spend more on food and drink from specialist or local retailers than less. A poll conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of research based retail consultants him! revealed that of 1,000 adults asked, 19% expect to spend more in this area, and 16% will spend less.

The Cornish Pasty Association (CPA) is a step closer to attaining protected geographic indication (PGI) status for Cornish pasties after DEFRA confirmed that it is backing its application and will be sending it to the European Commission for final approval.

Synergy has launched a new range of bread aromas designed to enhance taste and reduce costs for bakers. The savoury ingredient specialist has designed the product in a number of varieties, including crusty bread, sourdough, soda farls and dough. The aromas allow for up to 20% salt reduction and, therefore, are particularly effective in reduced salt goods.

Linpac Packaging has launched a new polyolefin stretch film called MagicLIN. The film has been designed to be easier to cut than traditional cling films, and can be cut by hand, removing the need for a blade.

Délifrance has launched two new pastries aimed at maximising catering opportunities in the longer days and lighter evenings throughout summer. The first is a lighter Viennoiserie, an apricot fruit basket, topped with half a Moroccan apricot.

Premium and indulgent goods provider Rich Products has launched a new muffin range for retail and foodservice operators.

Ishida Europe is launching a new software programme that can link up to 100 checkweighers to provide valuable production data.

Pantheon Catering Equipment has launched a new range of baking ovens, for all types of baking. The range is comprised of four models: YXD-1A - convection heat only; YXD-2A - convection heat and steam; YXD-3A - convection heat and upper heater; and YXD-4A - convection heat, steam and upper heater. The ovens have an internal capacity of 2.23 cubic feet. They feature an interior light, four shelves and an audible 120-minute timer. They also have a steam pulse option and a separate upper chamber heater.

DuPont has launched the DuPont Tyvek Dual coverall, designed to offer flexibility, breathability and added durability.

Equip Line has added a new product to its range. The Fri-Jado Bake Basic 3P programmable oven, designed to meet small-scale baking needs, offers three baking positions, water injection and an oven fan and alarm signal. It operates off a 13-amp plug and is suitable for small bakeries, sandwich bars, or anywhere offering a range of bake-off products throughout the day.

Roberts Bakeries in Cheshire has installed five purpose-designed high-speed Series 515 print-and-apply labelling machines. The machines allow individual loaves, fed from different lines, to be identified at a central point for loading into trays - either by operators or automatically.

Enco Products is launching its first mainstream snacking range. The new range consists of green banana chips, plantain chips and sweet plantain chips, and will be available in 85g bags.

Crisps and snacks manufacturer Walkers is launching its Baked range in a larger pack, aimed at impulse channels.

Sun Valley is relaunching its Pretz brand this month following an image revamp. The brand has also added a third flavour to the range and will be focusing on widening its distribution channels into the impulse, foodservice and convenience markets.

United Biscuits' (UBUK) brand KP Nuts is refreshing its image from July, with revamped packaging and new flavours. It will also be launching a new Clip Strip merchandising unit for its salted and dry roasted peanut. Two new flavours - MSG-free Salt & Vinegar and Spicy Chilli - will be available in 200g and 80g price-marked and non price-marked packs. On the back of the success of KP's Baked & Seasoned Nuts, it has launched Baked & Seasoned Mixes, containing inclusions rather than just mixed nuts. These will be available in Chilli & Lemongrass with Sweet Fire Red Pepper Pieces, and Sea Salt Rosemary with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, in 110g packs.

American bakery café chain Au Bon Pain has struck a deal with Indian-owned Spencer's Retail, to open 100 stores across India. Au Bon Pain signed a master franchise agreement with Spencer's Retail, part of RPG Enterprises, which plans to open the target number of stores within the next two years.

Carr's Milling Industries has raised its profit forecast for the year to 30 August, 2008. The mil-ling and machinery giant said it had enjoyed strong trading since its last update on 27 May.

Coffee Republic's chief executive Steven Bartlett is to stand down at the company's forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Singapore-based bakery retailer BreadTalk plans to open around 800 more stores around the world over the next three years. The company, founded in 2000, currently owns 83 BreadTalk and Toast Box shops and 118 franchised outlets worldwide.

Premier Foods has said it expects an increase in sales for its Baking & Milling division in the first half of this year.

The Richemont Club of Great Britain will judge its fifth National Competition at The Bakers' Fair on 19 October at Sheffield's Don Valley stadium. The event will see bakers battle it out to take top position in a range of categories.

Pupils from Manchester High School for Girls used their loaf in an Apprentice-style lesson with a difference at Cheshire's Frank Roberts & Sons bakery.

A nationwide ratings system for food hygiene needs to be implemented as soon as pos-sible, bakery retailers have told British Baker.

An All-Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry Group has been launched this month. The group has a broad remit, including providing a forum for debate and discussion for industry issues, such as increasing food prices or the impact of the food industry on the environment. It also aims to raise the awareness of these issues in Parliament.

The waiting is over - British Baker can now reveal the first batch of finalists in our Baking Industry Awards 2008.

Food manufacturing group the Real Good Food Company (RGFC) has reported strong sales in its bakery ingredients division, up 13%. RGFC indicated it would seek to again increase prices in response to its own rising costs.

The Foods Standards Agency (FSA) has published new salt reduction targets for food manufacturers for products including bread, cakes, biscuits and snacks. The FSA has launched a public consultation on proposals that will make its voluntary targets stricter. They include tightening 2010 salt reduction targets for 85 categories of food and setting more challenging 2012 targets for 80 categories of food.

Warburtons enjoyed another successful year in 2007, with profits and turnover up on the previous year.

The Federation of Small Busi-nesses (FSB) has accused large firms of "exploiting small businesses" by delaying invoice payments and imposing new terms and settlement fees.

ADM Milling has announced a flour price increase of £18.20 per tonne. The rise will be effective from 1 September, 2008.

New research has revealed that despite the myths surrounding perceptions of coffee drinking, it may be more beneficial to our health than we think. The British Coffee Association undertook new market research which uncovered that 74% of coffee drinkers have tried to reduce their consumption as they believe it can be addictive, and 50% of drinkers think it’s dehydrating.

Wetherspoons is to use Kate’s Cakes brownies in its Chocolate Brownie Sundae. Kate’s Cakes has supplied the pub chain with its individually wrapped Chocolate Brownies for the last four years, which will now feature on the dessert menu.

Finsbury Food Group has unveiled a number of new appointments in its development and commercial teams. Annemarie Williams will be taking on the role of new product development manager, which will involve the overseeing of all own label product development and innovation.

Scottish bakery M Corson Bakers, based in Castle Douglas, has been put up for sale as a going concern for £1.25 million. The bakery founded in the 1800s is seeking a buyer due to retirement. It’s main retail site and bakehouse in Castle Douglas and its three other retail shops in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright are all included in the sale.

Premier Foods looks set to meet its full year profit expectations despite a difficult economic and trading environment. Sales for the Baking & Milling division are approximately 16% ahead year on year for the first half, mainly driven by price increases across its bread and flour range. The company’s trading update also highlighted an increase in group sales by 7% and Hovis’ rejuvenation.

BP’s Wild Bean Café has opened its first stand alone outlet at Portsmouth’s Continental Ferry Port in Hampshire.

The Carford Group's new Lincoln CTI Countertop impinger oven (1300 Series) has digital controls that allow for easy programming, said the firm.

French bakery manufacturer, Délifrance UK, has added a hazelnut and chocolate-flavoured brioche to its range. The product has a chocolate filling with crushed hazelnuts and is produced using French flour. It is ready to thaw and serve in two hours and is sold in packs of 30.

Biscuit maker Island Bakery is adding a new fruit offering to its range, as well as updating its packaging. Apple Crumbles are to join its existing range of organic biscuits, and contain chunks of apple, oats and juice and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Kate's Cakes has added three new cereal bars to its You Can! range. A Dairy Free Muesli bar, Wheat Free Nut 'N' choc bar and Dairy & Gluten-free Fruit & Seed bar join the existing range of dairy, gluten, wheat-free and low-fat cakes.

BakeMark has launched a line of icings in response to consumers' needs for natural colours and flavours. The new Crembel line is free from preservatives and uses the most natural ingredients where possible, said the firm.

Drinks company Abbey Well, has launched a new fruit beverages range, called Abbey Well Juice. The range, made with juice concentrate is available in apple, orange, raspberry blend, blackberry blend and tropical blend. The apple and orange varieties come in 180ml pouches, the others in 200ml pouches.

Independent company Aqua Botanica, has signed a deal with regional distributor JD's Food Group to enable it to sell its products outside its current London location.

Organic drinks producer RDA Organic has launched a new range of 'fresh functional superfruit' drinks.

Chief executive

Starbucks is to close around 600 underperforming stores in the US as part of its "transformation strategy". The stores are expected to close over the remaining part of this financial year, and second half of next.

Bakers in New York City have been banned from using any kind of trans fat. The ban, which applies to all foodservice establishments in New York, has been phased in since last year, with the first phase applying to fry oils and spreads.

Japan is to import 5,000 tonnes of emergency butter supplies from Europe, New Zealand and Aus-tralia, in response to a serious shortage. Bakeries and supermarkets are among businesses that have been experiencing shortages, due to a decrease in milk production following an unusually hot summer. Farmers have been asked to focus all their efforts on increasing milk supplies.

Finsbury Food Group (FFG) has warned investors that rising commodity costs and consumer caution could affect its growth rate over the next 12 months.

Cornish bakery Rowe's is refitting and rebranding its 16-strong chain of shops. The stores will get new fixtures and fittings, and signage will change from WC Rowe to the simpler 'Rowe's'.

Warburtons has launched a 'Learn for Life Centre' at its Stockton bakery in Teesside to encourage employees to continue with learning and education.

The new owner of the former Best Bakeries business in South Wales has pledged to "bulldoze" the current site in Hirwaun, as part of plans to modernise the business. Healthier products and expanding business within Wales are also priorities for Megans Bakery, which has bought the business from administrators Grant Thornton.

The Bakers' Fair is to take place on Sunday, 19 October 2008, at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium. As the UK's only autumn exhibition for progressive and professional independent bakery companies, cafés and coffee shops, it comes at a time when key purchasers will be making final decisions about the Christmas selling period, as well as looking ahead to 2009.

Waitrose has seen a "phenomenal" uplift in sales of its packaged cake lines, following an overhaul of pack design, the addition of new lines and changes to recipes, including a complete switch to free-range eggs.

More than 200 staff have been made redundant at the Peter Hunt bakery, after it ceased trading on 7 July.

Finsbury Food Group's chief executive Dave Brooks has been elected chair of the National Skills Academy Bakery Steering Group. Brooks was elected at the group's second meeting on 7 July.

Lawrence Watson has been appointed as head of sales and marketing at Rank Hovis, effective 1 September. He is currently sales director at Bowmans Milling in Hitchin, Herts.

Rank Hovis, part of Premier Foods, is in consultation with employees about the proposed cessation of milling and pac- king at its Rotherham Mill in South Yorkshire.

A former bakery salesman has been given an eight-month suspended jail sentence after inventing a bread price-fixing row between Tesco and Asda.

South Cheshire bakery, Chat-wins, has made the switch to Fairtrade in all its 20 coffee shops and four lounges.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas will come to London's Grosvenor House hotel for this year's Baking Industry Awards.

Flour millers association Nabim has warned that steeply rising energy prices, combined with other rising costs, are having a serious impact on the milling industry and overall grain sector.

Carr’s Milling Industries has raised its profit forecast for the year to 30 August 2008.

Coffee Republic’s chief executive Steven Bartlett is to stand down at the company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Bolton-based manufacturer Peter Hunt is to close, with the loss of 200 jobs.

South Wales' company Best Bakeries, which went into administration on 4 June, has been saved by a management buy-in.

J2O is sponsoring a series of comedy nights during, linking the brand with the critically acclaimed stand-up tour, ‘Yanks Your Chain’.

Flurocarbon Holdings has bought bakeware manufacturer Prestige Industrial.

Sales remain strong for Finsbury Foods according to a trading update released on 2 July, in advance of the company entering its close period.

The Handmade Cake Company, officially opened its new factory in Gardner Road, Maidenhead, in a double celebration to mark its 25th Birthday.

Cornish baker Rowe’s is refitting and rebranding its 16-shop bakery retail chain.

The Co-op group is to roll out an in-store labelling system for its bakery products following a successful trial.

Brace's bakery will be making some of its staff redundant as it restructures its business in response to challenging market conditions.

Asda is to sell its large white bloomer for 50p as part of a cut-price promotion this weekend.

Leeds-based bakery chain Ainsleys’ delivery service has grown from a single van a year ago to a fleet of 10 this month and has recorded turnover of £1.5 million, according to sales and marketing director James Ainsley.

Research on fortifying UK wheat with selenium through the use of fertilisers has been encouraging, according to project leader Dr Martin Broadley.

Ingredients supplier Beacon Foods has joined forces with a group of academics and food industry professionals with the aim of developing food industry skills within Wales.

McDonald’s is to vary the amount it charges for food depending on the location of each outlet.

Kate’s Cakes has added three new cereal bars to its You Can! range.

Proper Cornish Food Company, has won a major contract with Sainsbury’s, which will see them supply the supermarket with a Taste the difference, Traditional Cornish Pasty.

The last day for early bird booking for the 2008 Baking Industry Awards is Monday 30 June, so make sure you book your table now!

Tesco has revamped its bakery packaging and displays.

Mr Kipling has launched a range of Cake Bites. The Premier Foods brand is aiming to capitalise on the growing market for sharing and special treat eating occasions with its new offering.

Major bakery trainers have pledge their support for a national Colleges and Trainers Forum.

Starbucks Coffee Company and food travel experts SSP have agreed a deal which will see SSP open more than 150 Starbucks stores in Europe over the next three years.

Grahams Bakery in Dromore, Northern Ireland, has announced a partnership with charity Barnardo’s.