FRANK Roberts and Sons has won a prestigious award recognising the best in UK manufacturing.


The Northwich-based company, which runs Roberts Bakery, Little Treats and The Pastry Case, was awarded the national Food and Drink award at this year’s Insider – Made in the UK Awards, beating fierce competition from across the country.


The honour for the 128-year-old Cheshire family bakery rounds off a positive 12 months for the business, during which time its market share increased from 2.95 per cent to 3.44 per cent, outperforming all other major wrapped bread brands in both value and unit sales growth.


The Food and Drink award included nominees from the alcohol and dairy sectors, as well as one other bakery, with judges commending Frank Roberts & Sons for its growth, commenting: “The fact that the company is growing, investing in technology and staff were the key elements which make Frank Roberts an outstanding choice.”


Held in association with UK Trade & Investment, the award represents another accolade for the company, the fourth largest branded bread bakery company in the UK.


Mike Roberts of Frank Roberts & Sons, said: “As a family-owned bakery steeped in history, we are delighted to have won the Made in the UK Award which recognises our growth against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging market. We have worked hard to ensure that the quality of our products, staff and service never falters.


"This award follows a strong year for the business with continued growth in market share. In the past year alone we have invested in capacity with the opening of our third bread plant, expanded our Little Treats Co biscuit decorating capability and developed a new sandwich thins plant based in Ilkeston.”