A Wrexham bakery apprentice has been named Rising Star at the Wales Food and Drink Awards. Coleg Cambria enjoyed a standout evening, with three students reaching the finals and one taking home a top honor.
Apprentices Caleb Blackwell, of Blacks Pies, and Tilly Squire, of Village Bakery, were recognized among the best in Wales. Meanwhile, Naomi Griffiths, of Iâl Bakery—the college's commercial training bakery at its Hafod site—was crowned Rising Star after impressing judges with her dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for the Welsh food industry.
Naomi said: “Winning the Rising Star award was a complete surprise and such an honor. I'm incredibly proud to represent Iâl Bakery and Coleg Cambria, and grateful for all the support I've had from the team there and from the wider industry. It was such an inspiring evening, and to be recognized among so many talented people in Welsh food and drink means so much to me.”
There were more than 200 entries for this year's awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across Wales's food and drink sector. Hundreds of industry professionals attended the ceremony at the Swansea Building Society Arena.
“Naomi's success is testament to her hard work, creativity, and determination, and also highlights the strength of our partnerships with employers and the opportunities available through apprenticeships and work-based learning,” said Maria Stevens, from Coleg Cambria.
Adding to the celebrations, Naomi and fellow baker and patisserie chef Ella Muddiman achieved silver in the 2026 Britain's Best Cake Awards for their Irish Coffee Slice. It was created through a collaboration between Coleg Cambria, Bako, and Wright's, part of The Compleat Food Group. The indulgent slice features moist vanilla sponge layered with coffee caramel and topped with Irish liqueur cream.
Kate Muddiman, from Coleg Cambria, said: “To see Naomi and Ella achieve silver on a national stage with the Irish coffee slice, alongside Naomi's Rising Star success, is a fantastic reflection of the talent coming through Iâl Bakery. Their creativity, professionalism, and passion for the craft have been exceptional. We are hugely proud of what they have achieved and of the continued success of Iâl Bakery as a center of excellence for bakery apprenticeships in North Wales.”
