International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) is calling for submissions for the IBIE World Bread Awards USA, an event organized by The Bread Bakers Guild of America (BBGA) and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA).

Held in Chicago at the Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute, from October 7 to 8, the competition celebrates the art and skill of bread-making. Bakers from the US are invited to demonstrate their skills and creativity in 15 categories, including baguettes, bagels, and sourdough, while competing for specialty awards such as Showstopper (Savory or Sweet), Home Baker, and Student Baker. 

To participate, bakers must submit their entries through the official IBIE World Bread Awards USA website. Each entry will be judged by a panel of baking industry experts who will evaluate the bread based on taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality. The event will also host hands-on workshops and seminars by BBGA and RBA.

“American bakers are some of the best when it comes to incorporating both tradition and innovation in their breads,” said Karen Bornarth, Executive Director of BBGA. “We are so excited to see and taste that approach at work in all categories of the competition.”

Event timeline:

• Submission Deadline: September 30, 2024
• Judging Period: October 1-7, 2024
• Workshops & Seminars: October 7, 2024
• Awards Ceremony: October 8, 2024

“The partnership between IBIE and the World Bread Awards was a huge success at IBIE 2022. We’re thrilled to continue this relationship and bring this celebrated competition to Chicagoland bakers during IBIE’s off years,” said Marissa Sertich Velie, Executive Director of RBA and IBIE Planning Committee Member.

IBIE is sponsored by the American Bakers Association (ABA), the Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). The next edition of the Baking Expo will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 14-17, 2025, with a full day of education on September 13.

Photo: Pexels