From Ballymena to the UK Stage: Dougies Goodies in running for Craft Bakery of the Year

Team Dougies Goodies

Ballymena’s much-loved bakery Dougies Goodies has earned national recognition after being named a finalist at the Baking Industry Awards 2025.

Founded in 1983 by Dougie Coulter, the business has grown from a small local bakery into one of the UK’s fastest-rising bakery brands, with products now stocked in more than 70 locations across Northern Ireland and flagship stores in Ballymena and Belfast.

In 2022, the business was acquired by Frank and Georgina Warwick, with Dougie and his wife Christine remaining at the heart of the operation to continue crafting the treats that have made the brand famous.

Dougie Coulter hard at work

Now, Dougies Goodies has been shortlisted as one of just six finalists across the UK for the Craft Bakery Business of the Year award, the only Northern Ireland bakery to achieve a place on the list.

The Baking Industry Awards, now in their 38th year, are widely regarded as the “Oscars of baking,” celebrating the very best people, products, and businesses within the sector.

Judges praised Dougies Goodies for its passion and ambition, stating:

“The team spirit oozed out of Dougies Goodies and could be felt both in front of and behind the scenes. They know their customer base and have a clear strategy for delivering growth with excellent products for their price point.”

The bakery team will attend the glittering awards ceremony in October, with hopes of bringing the top prize back to Northern Ireland.

Dougies Goodies Ballymena

Reflecting on the nomination, Frank Warwick, Owner and “Chief Cake Taster” at Dougies Goodies, said:

“It’s an honour to be recognised among the best in the industry. We’ve been baking since 1983, and our success has always come from the same place – the incredible skill and dedication of our team, past and present. This nomination belongs to all of us, and we’re absolutely delighted!”

For more than four decades, Dougies Goodies has been synonymous with sweet treats, and this recognition marks a major milestone in its story – from a Ballymena family bakery to one of the UK’s most celebrated names in the craft baking industry.