Artisan bakery wins food manufacturing Oscar

The firm’s achievements were celebrated in front of hundreds of food and drink industry guests, as the award was presented by Debbie Day, partner with category sponsor Lockton on Wednesday November 1. The trophy was collected on behalf of The Bread Factory by the Food Manufacture Group’s publisher Sonia Young.

They were joined on stage by awards host, English Rugby Union cup winner and former team captain Matt Dawson.

The Bread Factory’s mission is to grow the market for artisan bread, pastries and cakes. The company offers craft-baked products on a commercial scale to a range of customers.

Increasingly operational space

It has signed the lease for three new units at its north London location, increasing operational space by a third. The expansion will enable the business to meet increased demand for its products and raise its average turnover by 17%.

The FMEA awards’ independent judging panel – lead by Paul Wilkinson, chair of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink – praised the firm’s commitment to invest in extra capacity and a new enterprise resource planning system.

“The Bread Factory’s passion, tenacity and achievement in translating craft bakery to high-scale commercial achievement, shines through this entry and delivered profit directly to the bottom line,” said the judges.

‘Passion, tenacity and achievement’

Finalists in the Bakery Manufacturing Company of the Year category were: Addo Food Group, American Muffin Company, Eric Richmond, Great British Biscotti Company and Warrens Bakery.

The Great Biscotti Company went on to win the coveted SME Innovation of the Year trophy.

The overall award Food Manufacture Company of the Year was snapped up by County Durham-based ethnic snacks manufacturer SK Chilled Foods, after it first won Chilled Food Manufacturing Company of the Year. Don’t miss the full list of winners and finalists here.

Now in their 17^th year, the annual FMEAs, organised by William Reed’s Food Manufacture Group, have become the premier showcase for British food and drink manufacturing excellence.

Thanks to the FMEA sponsors: Columbus, DR Newitt, Lockton, Michael Page Engineering and Manufacturing, Celsius, Sanderson, SA Partners, PPMA and KDH Projects.

Finally, read more information about the food and drink manufacturing Oscars here and learn how to register your interest for next year’s awards here.