Finalists for 2025 Baking Industry Awards revealed

Drum roll please… British Baker is thrilled to reveal the finalists for the 2025 Baking Industry Awards.

To find out who the finalists are in each category, click on the relevant link below or use the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Bakery Retailer of the Year – sponsored by IFF

Three of the four finalists have lifted the trophy in recent years, but who will come out on top in 2025?

Free-from Bakery Product of the Year

Fried doughnuts, gluten-free soft pittas, vegan-friendly brioche burger buns, and brownies are among the finalists.

Rising Star Award – sponsored by Rademaker

A fourth-generation baker, product developer at a major craft bakery chain, and banker-turned-baker are among the hopefuls vying for this trophy.

Craft Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by Dawn Foods

A Belfast-based cake specialist, heritage family-run craft bakery, and a hidden gem are among the six businesses shortlisted for this category.

Supplier of the Year

This brand-new category recognises the continued hard work and support of the suppliers that help keep the industry running efficiently.

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

A true passion for baking, exceptional technical skills, and a thorough understanding of customers’ needs are just some of the attributes displayed by the finalists.

Online Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by IRCA Group

Sweet treats, personalisation, and gifting are common themes among the finalists battling it out for this title.

Speciality Bread Product of the Year – sponsored by Bako

A pair of cheese & onion flavoured loaves plus two seeded sourdoughs with special inclusions have been chosen.

Bakery Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by Fritsch Bakery Technologies

Sweet treat suppliers in Bradford and Burnley, and a sourdough specialist in Leicester make up the finalists

Sustainability Initiative of the Year – sponsored by Macphie

This category celebrates sustainability achievements, with plastic reduction, regenerative farming efforts, and surplus food solutions among the finalists.

Bakery Brand of the Year – sponsored by Craggs & Co

Top-notch products, innovative marketing, excellent in-store execution and engaging social media content are among areas these finalists excel in.

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

Six products are battling it out for the trophy, so will it be a sweet treat, savoury snack, or sumptuous sourdough that comes out on top?

Team of the Year – sponsored by Lavazza Coffee

Judges were looking for solid examples of teamwork driving success, growth, and efficiency as well as evidence of excellent cross-team communication and upskilling.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 23 October. The ceremony, hosted by a yet-to-be-revealed celebrity, will also feature a presentation for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry, sponsored by Délifrance.