competition Archives - Craft to Crumb

4 cake pros selected for 2026 Cake’d Challenge

The finalists were selected to showcase their talents in the live competition, held during IDDBA 2026.

Thousands arrived at the sold-out event to experience the schmear de la schmear of the West Coast’s bagel scene.

This cohort comprises industry experts, media figures, culinary aficionados and previous BagelFest winners.

Sponsored by the National Honey Board, the competition will feature products that utilize honey as a functional ingredient.

The Baking Expo competition scene was graced with a new challenge: the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie Americas Selection.

Four cake decorators from IDDBA member retailers were challenged with creating showstopping cakes with mystery ingredients.

This year, there are two new categories designed for independent bakers: Best New Product and R&D.

The winning participant will represent their country in the 2026 world final.

The sessions, held on Oct. 7, will offer participants hands-on demos, panel discussions and business strategies.

The program has two editions to broaden the scope of opportunity, one for bakeries and another for baking products.