Bakery’s sweet smell of success

CONGRATULATIONS . . . Park Cake managing director Anne Allen (centre) receives the award from TV presenter Esther Rantzen (left) and Melanie Somerville, marketing manager of award sponsor ADM Milling

HATHERSHAW cake factory Park Cake has been named bakery food manufacturer of the year in the catering industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Park in Ashton Road supplies cakes and desserts to major supermarkets and scooped the prestigious accolade after beating off stiff competition from bakers across the UK at the annual Baking Industry Awards 2010.

Park’s achievements were recognised in front of 800 industry guests at a gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton as managing director Anne Allen was presented with the award by TV presenter Esther Rantzen and Melanie Somerville, marketing manager of award sponsor ADM Milling.

Established in 1938 as a bakery selling into corner shops, Park Cake was one of the first food suppliers to Marks & Spencer over 60 years ago.

Today the business produces a range of sponge rolls, slab and whole cakes and hot puddings for major supermarkets.

Anne said: “Five years ago, the company was in trouble so consequently there has been a lot of change here, but everyone just keeps coming into work and producing amazing, high-quality goods.”

Run by British Baker magazine, prizes are awarded across 12 categories, including Bakery Supplier of the Year, The Innovation Award and Trainee Baker of the Year.