Drum roll please: Baking Industry Awards 2026 finalists revealed

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived as British Baker reveals finalists for the Baking Industry Awards 2026.

Ensuring all shortlisted entries get their moment in the spotlight, we have publishing articles on finalist line-ups for each category.

To view articles, click on the relevant links below or use the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Bakery Leader of the Year – sponsored by Whitworth Bros

A commercial director, production head, and the founders of three bakery businesses are the finalists of this brand-new category.

Bakery Retailer of the Year – sponsored by IFF

With four of the six finalists having lifted the trophy in recent years, who will claim the title in 2026?

Free-from Bakery Product of the Year

A low-carb loaf and a caterpillar cake made without wheat, a plant-based savoury pastry, and an on-trend flavoured egg-free cake comprise the finalists.

Baker of the Year – sponsored by Brook Food & Bakery Equipment

Three bakers are in the running for this hotly contested category which celebrates people with a passion for baking, exceptional technical skills, and a deep understanding of industry trends.

Online Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by IRCA

Indulgent sweet treats, personalised biscuits, and stand-out free-from offerings are among the finalists battling in this category.

Supplier of the Year

Last year’s winner is back as a finalist, with suppliers of flour, bakeware, and bakery ingredients looking to seize the crown.

Bakery Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by Fritsch

Businesses based in Clwyd, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Gloucestershire make up the finalists for the category recognising ambitious bakeries striving to be the best in their sector.  

Craft Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by Dawn Foods

Found from Northumberland to the Cotswolds, Belfast to Basingstoke, and even in London, the six businesses in the running are exemplary.

Speciality Bread Product of the Year – sponsored by Bako Group

A trio of sourdoughs – one inspired by breakfast, one made with exclusive grain, and another packed with healthy ingredients – make up this year’s finalists.

New Bakery Product of the Year – sponsored by Baker & Baker

Sourdough crumpets, a tiramisu brownie, and vanilla brioche French toast are among the finalists.

Team of the Year – sponsored by Coperion

Teams ranging in size from six people to more than 200 are among the finalists in this category.

Bakery Brand of the Year – sponsored by Craggs & Co

Brands focussed on sweet treats (both conventional and free-from), as well as savoury patties, wraps, and frozen morning goods make up the finalists.

Rising Star Award – sponsored by Rademaker

The future of the baking industry is in good hands, if the four finalists are anything to go by.

Sustainability Initiative of the Year – sponsored by Macphie

Finalists include schemes that aim to reduce carbon footprints, source commodities from regenerative farms, and create a fully circular bakery process.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday 25 November.

Hosted by a yet-to-be-revealed celebrity, the event will also feature a presentation for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry, sponsored by Délifrance.