In a highly competitive three-day long competition, Yeqiang and Feng Yingjie from China won “The iba.UIBC.CUP of Bakers 2023.” Teams from 12 nations competed from Oct. 22 to 24 for the gold medal at this year’s cup at Europe’s leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry.

The countries participating in the bakery challenge included some of the top bakers from Peru, Japan, France, China, Greece, Germany, Korea, Iceland, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Italy.

The theme for this year’s competition was “The Animal World,” around which contestants created a wide variety of imaginative breads, small bakery products, party products, Danish pastries and a baked showpiece. 

“I congratulate all the participants for this outstanding achievement,” said Michael Wippler, president of the Zentralverband des Deutschen Bäckerhandwerks (central association of German bakers). “That was craftsmanship of the highest international level. The competition challenges the bakers to use their skills very precisely without getting flustered. Time is short, tension is high. Every step has to be perfect.”

Applause erupted when the winners accepted the award shortly before the show closed for the day. Taking second place were Hwang Seokyong and Han Seokwang from South Korea. Nicole and Patrick Mittmann from Germany took third place.

In another competition, China also received the award for “Best Danish Pastries” and for the category “Best Bread.” 

Receiving the “Best Small Bakery Products and Party Products” category were Nicolo Motto and Matteo Manuini from Italy. The German team of Nicole and Patrick Mittmann received the best showpiece prize.