Once again, I was honored to be among the cohort tasked to scrutinize, scrape, snuffle, sniff, nibble, savor, discuss and negotiate the merits of those to put forward as the best of the best of Scottish bakes for the annual competition hosted by Scottish Bakers.
The association has a steadfast and glorious history in supporting the sector for the past 130 years and will maintain this path while people continue to knead and create life-sustaining breads and other delectable treats.
“With nearly 600 products entered, reaching the shortlist of this competition really is something to be very proud of,” said Lesley Cameron, CEO of Scottish Bakers.
“Every day, we work hard to give Scottish bakers the chance to shine and showcase their innovation and skills and this competition is a vital part of that. So, we really do wish all of our shortlisted entrants the best of luck when the prizes are presented in May.”
The value of experience is certainly celebrated by the association, highlighted by the swathe of retired veterans recruited on the panel of judges.
Some 60 bakers from all corners of Scotland were each asked to put forward up to 12 of their star products, so to be shortlisted is quite some feat. Fifty industry experts gathered in Dunfermline to put their experience to the test to assess appearance, the quality of the bake, the aroma and obviously, the taste, of each submission. Making it even more daunting was the raft of categories, including scones, loaves, savories, morning rolls, cakes, biscuits, French- and Danish-style pastries and free from bread, biscuits and cakes.
Scottish Baker of the Year 2024/25 shortlist
The category winners will be announced at Scottish Bakers’ Annual Conference and Awards weekend, being held in Glasgow in May. The ultimate prize, of course, is to be crowned Scottish Baker of the Year.
Scottish Bakers manages both The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards and The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards to recognise and celebrate excellence in the sector.
Award partner: Bako Group
Category sponsors: American Pan UK, Andrew Ingredients, British Bakels, Carr’s Flour Mills, Dawn Foods, DMD 2000 Ltd, Fleming Howden, Lesaffre, Puratos UK Reiser and Rondo
“Every day in Scotland, we can enjoy a wellmade baked good, whether it be a buttery for breakfast, a filled roll for lunch, a pie for dinner, or the occasional sweet treat,” added Cameron.
“But the bakers who carefully make all of these delicious products sold in Scotland every day are the hidden gem of our economy and of our culture.”
