Events
Western Region Craft Bakers Association AGM
Join us for the Western Region Craft Bakers Association’s AGM, where we will reflect on the past year’s achievements, discuss key industry updates, and plan for the future. This event is an opportunity for members to connect, share insights, and support the growth of craft baking in our region.
Food & Drink Expo
Food & Drink Expo, incorporating The Restaurant Show, takes place 7th – 9th April at the NEC, Birmingham and runs alongside Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions.
Some of the most exciting exhibitors include Artisan Bakes, Cakehead Limited, GCS Food Machinery and John Hunt Pie & Tart Machines.
Registration is now open, click here to get your FREE ticket to all four co-located shows!
Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
The UK’s leading trade event for food & drink processing, packaging and logistics sectors returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 7-9 April 2025.
Showcasing some of the best bakers at Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain’s Best Cake competitions, it’s an event you cannot afford to miss!
Farm Shop & Deli Show
Packed with the finest products plus the latest bakery equipment from over 400 suppliers, Farm Shop & Deli Show returns from 7-9 April 2025 atthe NEC, Birmingham!
The show will also host Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain’s Best Cake competitions, bringing together some of the best UK bakers!
Business Day 2024
Join us for Business Day, Wednesday 5 June 2024 at the Hilton Wembley.
Farm Shop & Deli Show at the Food & Drink Expo 2024
The CBA will be attending the show!
Come and visit our Stand N269, Hall 20
The UK Food & Drink Shows return to the NEC, Birmingham next month (29th April – 1st May). Promising a festival of talent, advice, innovation and networking, we’ve whittled down the top reasons to make a trip to the midlands.
1) One free ticket, five jam-packed shows
The UK Food & Drink Shows comprise five individual events under one roof, all accessible with one visitor badge. Across Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, The Restaurant Show, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show, there’s countless opportunities to explore the latest innovations and get networking!
2) Exhibitor Excellence
Over 1200 exhibitors are set to come together across the five shows, giving visitors an abundance of choice whilst also providing brands with the most up-to-date look at innovation in their respective sectors. The breadth of exhibitors offers visitors solutions across all aspects of their business, from the latest trending products to drive footfall, to the essential services required to keep operations running more smoothly than ever.
3) Business advice
Whether it’s questions around sustainability, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the future of plant-based eating, improving diversity and inclusion and beyond, sessions are designed to tackle the problems that the industry professionals continue to come up against, whilst also giving visitors an opportunity to ask their burning questions. See the full line up here.
4) Industry heavyweights out in force
Five separate stages, set up across the different shows, include a panellist line up that reads like a who’s who of industry specialists. Just some of the names signed up to speak are:
- Karen Dear, Chief Executive Officer at Craft Bakers Association
- Amy North, Editor at British Baker
- Karen Betts OBE, Chief Executive of Food & Drink Federation
- Heather Mills, Founder of VBites
- Suzy McClintock, VP of Grocery and Retail at Deliveroo
To find out more and to register for your FREE pass to the event, click here.
Farm Shop & Deli Show
From 29 April – 01 May 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, source high quality local and regional produce, plus the latest in equipment, labelling and packaging solutions from more than 400+ suppliers at Farm Shop & Deli Show.
Food & Drink Expo returns to the NEC Birmingham from 29 April – 01 May 2024 as the UK’s largest food & drink event.
Source the latest products, network within the industry and uncover the hottest trends through insightful sessions and workshops running across five content theatres.
Western Regional Dinner
Join us at the Western Region Dinner Dance, hosted by the Western Region President, Michael Astill.
British Society of Baking
British Society of Baking Autumn Conference and AGM 2022
Ardencote Manor, Claverdon, Warwickshire CV35 8LT
Craft Bakers Business Day and Evening Awards Dinner
“You are not alone.” The words of outgoing Craft Bakers Association President John Foster at this year’s Business Day summed up the spirit of an event that was all about connection, camaraderie and support.
The sell-out conference, at the Hilton Wembley, brought together hundreds of bakers, suppliers and industry leaders for a packed day of insight, networking and celebration. From the buzzing exhibition floor to the lively evening awards dinner, the sense of community was unmistakable.
Karen Dear, CBA CEO, said: “The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish. Business Day has always been about bringing our community together, and this year’s sell-out event was testament to the strength, energy and resilience of the baking industry.
“The feedback we’ve had from members and suppliers alike has been outstanding – people left feeling inspired, connected and proud to be part of such a dynamic sector.”
After industry stalwart Ivor McKane took over the presidential chains from John, delegates explored innovations from more than 35 suppliers, while the Knowledge Connect sessions tackled pressing business issues ranging from the Employment Rights Bill to family business succession and the use of social media videos to boost sales. The launch of BakeCare, the CBA’s equipment maintenance support service, gave members a fresh resource to help keep their bakeries running smoothly.
Keynote speaker Adrian Webster, one of the UK’s top motivational speakers, captivated the audience with his trademark energy and his philosophy of Tiny Noticeable Things, leaving delegates inspired to bring small but powerful changes back to their businesses.
Harrods was again the big winner in the evening, being crowned Champion Baker for the third successive year, while an emotional Paul Jones, from Paul’s Bread, received the accolade for Member of the Year.
Karen said: “Each year our competition gets bigger and better and the judges this year commented that there was only a smidgeon’s difference between first and second.
“To be able to recognise Paul was also a special moment and everyone could see just how much it meant to him. All our members are incredible and we have the most amazing community.
“Business Day once again confirmed its status as a highlight of the bakery calendar, showcasing the best of the industry while reinforcing the message that we all stand together.”
Bakery Competition Winners
Apprentice/Student Category, Set of 6 Halloween Cup Cakes with same theme, sponsored by ADM, Winner - Anish Elangovan, Cardiff Met University
Celebration Sponge Cake Category, Celebrating the British Music Scene (past and present), sponsored by Macphie, Winner - Dunns of Crouch End
Innovation Category Zero Waste Baking, sponsored by SSPaper, Winner - The Dusty Knuckle Highly Commended - Harrods
The Heritage Category (re-invent a classic pre-1961), sponsored by BAKO, Winner - Harrods
Laminated Pastry Category Sweet and Savoury, sponsored by Corman, Winner - Savour Bakery Cafe & Patisserie Ltd Highly Commended - The Dusty Knuckle
Sourdough Category, White and Non-White, sponsored by Angel Refrigeration, Winner - Harrods Highly Commended - Basil's Bakery
Signature Bake Category, sponsored by AB Mauri, Winner - Savour Bakery Cafe & Patisserie Ltd Highly Commended - Dina Foods
White Tin Loaf Category, sponsored by Eurowires, Winner - Paul’s Bread
Champion Baker Award, sponsored by Andrew Ingredients, Winner - Harrods
Member of the Month awards
Member of the Year Award presented by David Yates, Chairman, Bako Group, Winner - Paul's Bread
Member of the Month awards presented by John Foster MBE DUniv DL, Past National President, Dina Foods, Lola's Cupcakes, Fitzbillies Ltd, B Thornton & Sons Ltd, Haighs (Guiseley) Ltd, Vintage bakery, Niche Patisserie, Pauls Bread, Seven Seeded Artisan Bakery, Fresh Eric's Cakes
Photo gallery - click the left or right arrows to scroll through the photos
