The California Raisin Marketing Board recently announced this year’s top 36 finalists for the 2012 America’s Best Raisin Bread Contest, a contest for professional and student bakers. Bernard Baker of 5 Generation Bakers has been named one of 36 finalists across the country. Baker entered “Jenny Lee® Cinnamon Raisin Bread,” in the Wholesale/Commercial Raisin Bread category. His winning bread can be found daily in the baking department of nearly 1000 supermarkets from Chicago to the East Coast with a retail price of: $3.99 - $4.99.

Nine finalists from each Professional Category (Wholesale/Commercial Raisin Bread; Artisan Raisin Bread; and Breakfast Item) 3 finalists from each Student Category have been selected to participate in the Final Bake-off scheduled for October 11-13, 2012 at the AIB in Manhattan, Kansas. Of the 36 finalists, 4 are affiliated with the RPIA Group. Twelve winners will receive a five-day trip to California, scheduled for the spring of 2013. In addition the California Raisin Marketing Board will publish a book containing the winning formulas from the bake-off. 

5 Generation Bakers is based in Pittsburgh, PA. 5 Generation Bakers’ breads can be found throughout the northeast quadrant of the USA under the Jenny Lee® brand. For more information about 5 Generation Bakers visit: www.5generationbakers.com.

ABOUT THE CONTEST: California Raisin growers seek to recognize and reward the creativity of America’s professional and student bakers and encourage new product development. On behalf of their growers, the California Raisin Marketing Board hopes to increase awareness of the endless varieties of bread products that can be made from the best-selling, all natural, dried fruit product in the world –California Raisins. The California Raisin industry seeks to help commercialize as many California Raisin breads as possible for consumers to enjoy. For more information about the California Raisin Marketing Board visit: www.loveyourraisins.com.

ABOUT THE RPIA GROUP: In 11 short years, the RPIA Group has grown from 5 to 117 members. By combining the members’ purchasing power and intellectual property, the RPIA Group is reshaping the baking industry. The RPIA Group is increasing growth, development and profitability for its membership by sharing and seeking innovative opportunities and strategies. For information about the RPIA Group visit www.rpiausa.org or contact Rick Crawford via phone at (800) 746-6551 or via email at rick.crawford@rpiausa.org.