Northern Ireland's Genesis Crafty in line for top industry award

Northern Ireland's Genesis Crafty family bakery has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Baking Industry Awards 2016.

Genesis Crafty, a family-owned and managed business in Magherafelt, county Derry, has been shortlisted in the Craft Business Award, a category sponsored by Dawn Foods.

The annual awards attract entries from major bakeries, independents and craft business throughout the United Kingdom.

Genesis Crafty, a bakery run by six brothers all qualified bakers, is now among the most successful bakeries in Northern Ireland. It supplies morning goods, traditional Irish breads such as wheaten loaves and soda and potato breads as well as a complete portfolio of cakes. Customers include all the leading retailers especially Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury, Asda and Tesco throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In addition to its extensive bakery production, Genesis Crafty has a longstanding commitment to new product development and has a separate and dedicated R&D complex that works alongside leading retailers in the development of innovative breads and cakes. It has introduced lean manufacturing techniques to enhance competitiveness in the diverse markets in which it operates.

Genesis Crafty employs around 300 people and recently announced plans to establish Northern Ireland's first bakery academy to develop baking skills.

Established in 1969 as McErlain's Bakery, it launched its first range of premium cakes in 1997. It subsequently rebranded at Genesis Crafty as craft bakery with the capability to bake volume products.

The bakery has also won a series of UK Great Taste Awards and Irish National Food and Drink Awards for its quality and innovative breads and cakes.

The award winners will be announced at a gala industry event in 7 September.