MAGAZINE
Can you believe this is the last issue of 2024…?!
It feels like just yesterday I was welcoming you all into the new year, and now here we are heading into December. With the clocks turned back, we’re embracing the dark mornings, early evenings, and single-digit temperatures, but there’s a buzz in the air as the cozy season and Christmas approach. Bakery shelves are brimming with festive treats, and Instagram is filled with holiday baking inspiration.
2024 has been a packed year for the bakery sector. We’ve navigated the challenges of a cost-of-living crisis, soaring energy prices, and a particularly wet summer that disrupted crops. Yet, as always, we come together, facing these challenges head-on and emerging stronger.
This year has brought exciting new product developments and innovations, the opening of new bakeries, and multiple awards celebrating the industry's best. Last month, Bakery Business hosted the National Bakery Awards at 30 Euston Square in London, where some of the nation’s finest bakeries were recognised. Four young bakers also received accolades for their passion and skill—see pages 14-17 for details.
In October, I attended the British Society of Baking Autumn conference, which featured excellent presentations from industry experts and a great networking evening (pages 23-24). I was also honoured to join Invest NI at their Bakery Showcase in Northern Ireland, where I sampled some of the region’s delightful traditional baked goods.
On the 2nd of December, I’ll have the privilege of attending the Worshipful Company of Bakers Election Banquet, which will see the outgoing Master – Charles Joseph hand over the reins to our new Master – Peter Baker.
So, what else is in store in this issue?
As always, we have our regular features including Industry News and Insight, Legal & Compliance, and Crafty Baker. In this issue, you’ll also find features on Specialty Flours & Breads (pages 18-22), Valentine’s Day (pages 30-33), Caramel (pages 25-27), and Toppings & Fillings (pages 36-41).
I hope you enjoy the issue and as always, your feedback is very much appreciated – we would like to hear what else you would like to see and read about, so please do get in touch with us via email or social media.
So, I guess that leaves me to say – I hope you all have a very happy Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year and reporting on all things Bakery in 2025.
Sam
