WITH machines replacing some basic jobs, these cannot replace creativity.
Organizers of the upcoming Bakery World Expo are confident that the Cebuanos’ creativity will continue to stand out amid the help of technology doing most of the processes in cake making.
“Our advantage is on the creative side. We naturally excel in this area,” said Stanley Go, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), during the press launch of Cake Masters over the weekend.
Cake Masters is a cake decorating competition that will happen during the three-day Bakery World Expo this Oct. 5 to 7 at the J Centre Convention Hall in Mandaue City.
Go, who spearheads this flagship event under the Mandaue Business Month, believes cake decoration can be another potential attraction for Cebu, banking on the province’s notable global label as hotbed of creative talents who excel in fashion, furniture and home decor.
“We are going to make this an attraction and, hopefully, we’ll be able to export our cakes to other countries like what we did with our furniture,” said Go.
MCCI vice president Steven Yu said the competition will be a big boost to the baking industry as well as to startup entrepreneurs who are home-based to showcase their creativity.
He recalled that cakes produced these days have evolved from simple designs into more complicated and intricate ones. He said consumers these days now opt to buy “Instagram-worthy” cakes for various occasions.
“This will make the industry level up their services more, thus adding color and vibrancy to Cebu,” said Yu.
MCCI targets 40 to 45 participants for the cake decorating competition. The competition is divided into two categories--wedding cakes and the best of Mandaue and Cebu.
Winners from each category will get P30,000 for first prize, P15,000 for the second prize and P10,000 for the third prize.
The Bakery World Expo aims to help local players gain advantage, not only in the local scene, but also globally.
Go said they envision local players serving the rising demand for breads and pastries online, as well as seeing their brands in shelves of top supermarket chains around the world.
The expo will highlight the latest trends and technologies in the baking industry. Bakers from other countries will fly to Cebu to conduct training and share their best baking practices.
Yu said Cebu stands to benefit from undertakings like this, especially since it has become a favored tourist destination of foreigners from Korea, Japan, China, US and Europe.
Go said it is important for local bakers to know requirements and taste preferences to better serve them.