A family run bakery group based in Dorset is celebrating a major success after securing top honours at the Western Region Bakery Championship, along with multiple runner up placements.
The Italian Group, located in Purbeck, achieved two first place titles and one second place finish at the competition, held in Devon in March.
The bakery's award winning entries included first place for its multi seed sourdough and cheesecake brownie, alongside a second place finish for their Italian herb and olive sourdough.
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Istvan Kohazi, group manager at the Italian Bakery, said: "It was a fantastic show, not just because it was very successful for us, but also for meeting great suppliers from all over the country and similar businesses with whom we can share our thoughts, visions, successes and struggles."
In 2016, the Italian Bakery group was originally just one restaurant, called the Italian Kitchen, based in Wareham.
After three successful years, the first Italian Bakery opened just down the road from the restaurant, followed by another bakery opening in 2021, which saw the group expand to Swanage.
In addition to this, the group also includes Street Pizza, a takeaway service with a full range of pizzas available for collection and delivery.
The Italian Bakery has also been named in The Best 49 Bakeries in the Country, a list authored by The Times.
Mr Kohazi said: "The centre of the recognition was our Dorset apple cake, which is still one of our best selling items and, since then, in collaboration with Purbeck Ice Cream, we created our own Dorset apple ice cream, which became an instant hit.
"Employing and looking after over 80 fantastic people is a big responsibility, but at the same time a great pleasure.
"The Italian Group, still a family owned, independent business, believes in people, honest and good quality food and service."
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Mr Kohazi also confirmed the Italian Bakery offers a diverse range of sourdough breads, including white, wholemeal, Italian herb and olive, multi seeded, and chilli and smoked cheddar.
Other products include white, wholemeal and country loaves, focaccia and rolls.
The group also produces a selection of sweet and savoury baked goods, such as sausage rolls with flavours like Dijon mustard, Italian herb, pesto and parmesan and vegetarian varieties.
The Italian Bakery also confirmed it makes its pasties, cakes, slices and buns fresh, six days a week.
For more information, visit the Italian Bakery website directly.
