The deadline for entries in the BEST in Baking Industry Awards has been extended to May 14. With two extra weeks to throw their hats in the ring, bakery operations and supplier companies now have more time to submit their applications for a chance to be recognized at the 2025 International Baking Industry Exhibition (IBIE).

Best in BAKING, presented in collaboration with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, recognizes innovation by leading industry companies for their achievements in crucial areas, such as sustainability, automation, workforce development, and more.

“Every three years, when another IBIE takes hold of Las Vegas come September, the BEST in Baking Awards Program comprises some of my favorite show highlights,” remarks Doug Peckenpaugh, SF&WB group publisher. “The examples of sustainability-oriented innovations suppliers and bakers are bringing to market always impress, and help point valuable directions for the global baking industry.”

Award categories

Suppliers and baking companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply for recognition in the following categories:

• Sustainability: Honoring advancements in equipment, ingredients, packaging, technology, and processes that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability within the baking industry.
• Automation and Robotics: Recognizing equipment and technologies that automate manual processes, enhance throughput, and reduce labor needs.
• Plant Efficiency: Showcasing innovations in equipment, ingredients, packaging, technology, and processes that improve operational efficiency.
• Sanitation: Celebrating advancements in equipment, technology, and processes that significantly improve equipment and facility sanitation within the baking industry.
• Workplace Development: Acknowledging supplier and bakery programs that foster sustainable development and ongoing growth of the baking workforce.
• Sustainable Packaging Innovation: New for 2025! Recognizing bakery companies that have implemented sustainable primary or secondary packaging solutions.

Benefits of winning

BEST in Baking award winners will receive significant recognition, including an awards ceremony presentation at IBIE 2025 in Las Vegas with the opportunity to deliver an acceptance speech. Winners will also benefit from extensive multimedia coverage in SF&WB magazine, IBIE pre-show promotions, the IBIE mobile app and directory, press releases, as well as exposure through post-show content such as podcast interviews, video profiles, and feature articles.

“The BEST in Baking awards are a powerful platform to showcase incredible innovations and recognize outstanding work across the baking industry,” says Jorge Zarate, IBIE chair and global senior vice president of operations and engineering at Grupo Bimbo. “These awards allow remarkable companies to set themselves apart from competitors.”

Baking industry professionals are encouraged to apply no later than April 30. For more information on key dates, criteria, and application forms, visit bakingexpo.com/BEST.