ROBERTS family bakers in Northwich are celebrating as their 'Heroic Wholemeal Bloomer Loaf' was voted best bread product of last year in a prestigious national competition run by The Grocer magazine.

Considered by many as the Oscars for the UK food and drink industry The Grocer Top Products Award accolade is hard fought over six months with an expert panel and consumers giving their verdict across 200 entries in 28 categories.

Judges loved the product’s 'smooth' and 'soft' texture, its great malt flavour and packaging, which also scored high in terms of 'rustic upmarket' good looks.

And being the first 100 per cent recyclable at home branded bread bag available in the UK, it also scored points for its 'environmentally friendly' benefits as well as making it look 'organic and fresh.'

Roberts' innovation and quality director Alison Ordonez said the award was hugely well deserved. “This prestigious accolade is for everyone who has believed in our Bloomer range - especially the Heroic Wholemeal - and who ‘embraced the new’ with us.

"This is a classic bake with a tasty, next generation twist.”

The award could not have come at a better time for the Heroic Bloomer as, alongside its equally tasty Wondrous White, and Seriously Seeded loaves, it’s now on sale nationally in Asda and Morrisons.

The modern, artisan range is also available in other major supermarkets – including Tesco and Waitrose - and local convenience stores across the UK.