WASHINGTON, DC — The artistry and skill of professional cake decorating will be on display during International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) when bakers gather for the 20th annual Pillsbury Bakers Plus Creative Cake Decorating Competition. The in-person showdown — one of IBIE’s most anticipated events — will take place on the show floor at the RBA Retail Bakers Center, located in the North Hall (Booth #5847).
“As IBIE gathers the global baking industry, it creates an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the extraordinary talent of professional cake decorators,” said Marissa Sertich Velie, the Retail Bakers of America (RBA)’s executive director. “This competition is more than a contest; it’s a celebration of artistry, precision and technical expertise.”
Six teams of two professional cake decorators will go head-to-head in the following categories:
- Wedding cake | Sponsored by Johnson Bros. Bakery Supply Inc.
- Rolled fondant | Sponsored by Satin Ice
- Buttercream | Sponsored by Cargill
- Sculpted cake | Sponsored by LorAnn Oils
Showgoers can watch the action live, including the panel of celebrity and master baker judges and competition commentary.
The winning team will receive the Pillsbury Baker’s Plus Grand Champion Trophy. Gold, silver and bronze medals and cash prizes will also be awarded to the highest scoring teams in each category.
How to apply
The application process is open to professional cake decorators, pastry chefs and sugar artists who are currently working in the baking industry and have at least two years of cake decorating experience.
Submissions are due May 31, and selected participants will be notified by June 20. Each person will receive three nights at an IBIE host hotel, a travel stipend and passes to the IBIE floor.
“IBIE offers these elite decorators a chance to showcase their talents in front of their community and gain the recognition they deserve from the those who understand what it takes to excel in this form of artistry,” Velie said. “Their skills and creativity will be on display amongst their peers, industry leaders, potential sponsors and an enthusiastic live audience.”
The Baking Expo, set for Sept. 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is powered by the American Bakers Association and BEMA and supported by RBA.
For more information on the competition, visit the Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Cake Decorating Competition page. Register for IBIE on the Baking Expo website.
