British Bakels wins British Bounce Back champion crown

The competition celebrated food and drink manufacturers who have invested in equipment or training, despite challenging marketing conditions. British Bakels fought off stiff competition from a range of food manufacturers and equipment suppliers to land the 2014 award.

The judges were particularly impressed by the manufacturer’s commitment to investment in cutting edge technology and sustainable production.

“British Bakels has invested for the future – despite tough market conditions,”​ said the judges. “Its investment in processing and packaging equipment, together with advanced NIR ​[near infrared] technology has positioned the business for growth as the economy improves. It’s commitment to sustainable production – cutting primary energy use by 40% – also makes the business a worthy winner.”​

‘Keeping ahead of the competition’​

Greg Woodhead, the firm’s new product development manager, said everyone at the business was delighted to have won the accolade. “We’re all really proud to have won the Great British Bounce Back title 2014,” ​Woodhead told FoodManufacture.co.uk. “It’s testament to what we have been able to build here over the last couple of years and it gives us the knowledge that we are doing the right things and keeping ahead of the competition.” ​

Woodhead predicted that the bakery and bakery ingredients sector would continue to see growth, but it would be harder to achieve than in the past. “That’s because the discounters are going to put increased pressure on the big four supermarkets, which will put pressure on the manufacturers.”​

“All of the retailers are going to want to offer lower prices and for the big four that means they will have to implement cost-saving solutions,”​ said Woodhead. “It doesn’t mean that it is dangerous for us, but it means we have to start thinking how we can become more efficient than we are.”​

Woodhead said British Bakels had invested £2.5M​ over the past two years, including £1.7M in new equipment and a new baking centre.

A new baking centre​

“It’s a lot of money to pump into a business in less than three years and it was prompted by the fact that Bakels is part of a larger group, which believes that if you don’t invest, then you stand still,” ​he said.

Food and drink manufacturers were invited to submit a statement explaining why their businesses deserved the title British Bounce Back champion 2014. The winner was selected by visitors to Foodex and the Foodex management team. See British Bakels winning statement below.

Meanwhile, British Bakels has taken over the crown from The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys which won the award during Foodex 2012.

Foodex 2014 took place at the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham between March 24–25. Don’t miss video highlights from the event here.​

British Bakels’ winning statement​

“A £1.7M investment against a challenging market landscape: A tumble mixing system, small packaging formats equipment, NIR technology, a weight system for supply chain tracability, a £500,000 Baking Centre for staff and customer training and a concept development suite. A 40% drop in primary energy use, a 30% drop in carbon foot print, leading to zero deliveries to landfill.”​