Last year, UK’s Federation of Bakers welcomed Grupo Bimbo among its full members and returning member Allied Bakeries, part of Associated British Foods. Associate members PACE Steel Belt Systems, Applied Computer Vision, Newsmith Stainless Limited and Rademaker BV were also added in 2023, according to the organization’s latest Annual Report.

FoB organized the Baking Forum Conference in May 2023 in Leeds, with 200 industry guests. The event will be held again in Leeds in March 2025.

The FoB Board welcomed Chris Craig, MD of Allied Bakeries and Jon Smythe, MD of Grupo Bimbo UK, as new Board members in September 2023, following their joining as full members of the Federation. The Board is now represented by nine member companies.

The association worked on several fronts in 2023. Sustainability in the industry remained a priority, and with an ambition to collaborate as a bakery sector right across the supply chain. The association also looked into opportunities to work on apprenticeships.

The Board recognized the ongoing challenges regarding the reputation of the products and the increasing debate on the role of processed foods and diet.

Mike Roberts, Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd and FoB chair, commented: “I am very proud of the UK’s resilient bakery industry – which produces millions of loaves and bakery products every day, that are feeding families across the nation. It is one of the largest food manufacturing sectors in the UK, and is at the center of providing food security for all.”