By Mary Sy
The Bakery Fair 2025 is poised to be a transformative event, uniting bakers, industry leaders, and innovators from across the globe.
From the latest trends in clean-label ingredients and healthier baking options to state-of-the-art baking equipment, this year’s fair promises to showcase the dynamic evolution of the baking industry. Chris Ah, president of the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), offers a glimpse into what attendees can expect.
“This year, we are introducing cutting-edge technology that will shape the future of baking, alongside a focus on healthier products,” he explains. “We are also proud to present new bakery equipment at special exhibition prices, making innovation accessible to everyone.”
For Ah and many others, the Bakery Fair is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity for the industry to come together and embrace the latest advancements. The fair will feature international experts such as Roy Chung from US Wheats, Judy Koh, and Mito Sweets, all of whom will be sharing invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the baking world.
“We’ve invited top-notch speakers and demonstrators from all over the world to give us updates on the latest trends, innovations, and techniques in baking,” Ah adds. “This is truly a global affair, offering fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge for all participants.”
Forum
One of the main highlights of the event will be the forum with industry leaders from the International Federation of Chinese Bakery and Confectionery Association. These experts will delve into their current business strategies, providing a roadmap for the next decade. The focus will be on future-proofing bakeries through family succession planning, a topic that has become increasingly vital for family-run businesses.
“We believe that supporting family businesses is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for the industry,” Ah notes. “Professor Enrique Soriano will deliver an insightful talk on family succession planning, offering practical guidance to those looking to secure their bakery’s legacy.”
In addition to the seminars and forums, the Bakery Fair will be an action-packed showcase of talent, with daily competitions that will engage bakers of all skill levels. Among these, the Wedding Cake Royal Tiers competition stands out as the most anticipated event. With a grand prize of P150,000, this contest is expected to attract top-tier contestants from all over the country.
“Our competition lineup is diverse, with 10 events happening simultaneously over the course of three days,” Ah shares. “The Wedding Cake competition, in particular, has become a centerpiece of the fair, and we can’t wait to see the creativity on display.”
The fair also reflects the global nature of the baking industry, as it is supported by associations and master bakers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. This international support speaks volumes about the fair’s importance in the global baking community.
Ah also highlights the event’s role in uniting industry professionals. “This gathering is a true testament to the unity and strength of our industry,” he says. “It’s a celebration of innovation, excellence, and the shared passion that defines the Philippine baking community.”
As the baking industry continues to face challenges such as rising raw material costs, government regulations, and labor wage increases, the Bakery Fair 2025 seeks to address these issues head-on.
“Investing in technology is key to ensuring that we remain competitive despite rising labor costs,” says Ah. “By automating processes, we can maintain consistency and quality while reducing human error. But it’s equally important to train our workforce, focusing on food safety systems and innovative solutions.” He also emphasizes the need for a balance between technology and human skill, noting that while automation is valuable, the human touch in customer relations is irreplaceable.
Young bakers
The Bakery Fair is also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of bakers. With a focus on encouraging younger individuals to pursue careers in baking, the fair has become a hub for education and mentorship.
“Social media and influencers are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the younger generation’s interest in baking,” Ah says. “But we also need affordable and accessible training programs to help them develop their skills.” Through events like the Bakery Fair, the industry is working to provide the necessary resources to ensure the future success of aspiring bakers.
The fair’s focus on innovation, education, and global collaboration is a direct response to the challenges the industry faces. With the support of organizations like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and baking associations, the fair is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the baking community.
“We understand that there are obstacles, but together, as an industry, we can overcome them,” Ah concludes. “By embracing technology, fostering education, and collaborating across borders, we can ensure the continued success and growth of the baking industry.”
In essence, the Bakery Fair 2025 is not just an event—it is a celebration of the rich legacy of the baking community, the innovations that are driving the industry forward, and the next generation of bakers who will continue to shape its future. As Chris Ah puts it, “This is an opportunity to come together, share knowledge, and create a more sustainable, thriving future for the baking industry. The journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning.”
Bakery Fair 2025 will be held on March 6-8 at the World Trade Center Manila. It’s open to the public. Follow FCBAI on Facebook for more updates and announcements.
