The best in baking talent was recognised at the Baking Industry Awards last night, with Robert Burns taking the coveted title of Baker of the Year.

The event, held at the Park Lane Hilton, saw a total of 15 awards handed out on the night, with the winners announced by celebrity host Jason Donovan.

There was live music throughout the evening, including a surprise acoustic performance of ’Too many broken hearts’ by Donovan. Guests also had the chance to dabble with funny money at the AB Mauri-sponsored casino.

Robert Burns, of Burns the Bread in Glastonbury, said he was very humbled to have won the award. “I just want to do the best that I can do. Baking is my life, I love my business, and I never want to retire.”

Other winners included Dumouchel Patisserie in Garforth near Leeds, which took home the ADM Milling-sponsored Craft Business Award, while In-Store Bakery Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zeelandia, was awarded to Asda.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Greggs, which was named Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year in the Golden Valley Pallet Wrap Specialist sponsored category, told BB: “The competition for this award is huge. We didn’t do enough two years ago to win the top prize, so we went away and set our resolve even higher to do more and be even better at what we do. I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted for everyone at Greggs.”

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Baking Industry Awards, four Lifetime Achievement Awards were also awarded on the night. These went to: John Bailey from Greggs; Ernst Bachmann from Bachmanns; Eddie Spence MBE from The British Sugarcraft Guild; and Gill Brooks-Lonican, chief executive of the National Association of Master Bakers.

Martyn Leek, editor, British Baker, said: “Our 25th anniversary awards truly showed just how much talent is present in the baking industry, as well as recognising those who have that something extra special, which puts them just ahead of the rest.”

Check back soon for extended coverage of the event including photos and video content.


Baking Industry Awards winners 2012:

Baker of the Year, sponsored by Vandemoortele - Robert Burns, Burns the Bread, Glastonbury

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Whitworth Bros - Justin Clapham, Bettys Bakery, Harrogate

Speciality Bread Product of the Year, sponsored by Bakels - Barbakan Delicatessen, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, for its Contadino Bread

The Craft Business Award, sponsored by ADM Milling - Dumouchel Patisserie, Garforth

The Customer Focus Award, sponsored by CSM United Kingdom - Bells of Lazonby, Penrith

Confectioner of the Year, sponsored by Dawn Foods - Gemma Pickup from Bettys Bakery, Harrogate

In-Store Bakery Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zeelandia - Asda

Celebration Cake Maker of the Year award, sponsored by Renshaw - Sandra Monger, Exquisite Wedding and Celebration Cakes, Bath

The Product Innovation Award, sponsored by Asda - Greenhalgh’s, Bolton, for its Crumpet Loaf

Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Golden Valley Pallet Wrap Specialists – Greggs

The Retail Innovation Award sponsored by Macphie of Glenbervie - Wenzel’s The Bakers, Middlesex

Lifetime Achievement Award kindly sponsored by Délifrance – John Bailey from Greggs; Ernst Bachmann from Bachmanns; Eddie Spence MBE from The British Sugarcraft Guild; and Gill Brooks-Lonican, chief executive of the National Association of Master Bakers.

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