Bakery shortlisted twice

Grain D’Or  – part of the Sheffield, UK-based Fletchers Bakeries Group – will join the best of the UK’s food and drink producers at a key industry awards event after gaining a double shortlisting.

Two of Grain D’Or’s own label products for Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have been shortlisted for the Quality Food Awards, now in its 34th year.

Sainsbury’s Basics four-pack Croissants, produced by Grain D’Or, have been shortlisted in the Value Ambient categoryin the Value Quality section, and will compete against the likes of Asda’s Smart Price Mixed Fruit Jam and Tesco’s Value Sultana Scones.

While Marks & Spencer’s two-pack Luxury All Butter Croissants, also produced by Grain D’Or, are shortlisted under the Morning Goods category in the Quality Food section. They are up against products including Tesco’s Cinnamon Sharing Bun and Lidl’s Nut and Nougat Filled Double Chocolate Muffin.

Grain D’Or’s products will join 330 other shortlisted food and drink items, in over 60 categories, shortlisted for the spectacular ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on 7 November.

Simon Sloan, general manager at Wembley-based Grain D’Or, said: “These awards confirm the importance and resurgence of own label brands. Nowadays consumers demand high quality across the board whatever the brand. Own labels are now key competitors for major brands.

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted.Our committed team at Grain D’Or continues to drive quality and taste and goes from strength to strength.”

The judging panel is comprised of experts and influencers from the industry, with the awards renowned for celebrating the success of food and drink products that are on sale in grocery outlets throughout the UK.

Helen Lyons, organiser and publisher of Metropolis Business Media, said: “The quality of the food and drink entries this year has been particularly impressive and I know after a fantastic two and a half weeks of judging, we are all extremely pleased with the final shortlist.”

Grain D’Or specialises in continental pastry, sweet muffins and speciality bread products, which are supplied to major retailers and food service customers in the UK, as well as mainland Europe.

Earlier this year Lidl’s Double Chocolate four-pack Muffins, made by Grain D’Or, were shortlisted for The Grocer Own Label Awards 2013.