SIGEP Asia & Restaurant Asia 2026 to feature “The Asia Selection for the Bakery World Championship – Bread in the City”
The organisers are delighted to announce that two major events will take place in conjunction with the shows – The Asia Selection 2026 – the official qualifying round for the Bakery World Cup “Bread in the City 2027” and The International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC) Congress 2026, bringing together international talent, craftsmanship and innovation from across the world.
The Asia Selection for the Bakery World Championship – “Bread in the City”
The “Bread in the City” – Asia Selection 2026 will spotlight the region’s most skilled bakers where eventually two chosen winners will advance to the Bakery World Championship – “Bread in the City 2027” in Rimini, Italy at SIGEP WORLD 2027.
Organised by IEG Asia and Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Trade Association (SBCTA) and, endorsed by Richemont Club International and Richemont Club Italy, this high-level competition will feature 8 elite teams from across the Asia-Pacific region. The teams will compete across multiple categories from Bread Making to Pizza Making to Viennoiserie and more, each reflecting a blend of technical mastery, regional inspiration and creative expression.
The distinguished judging panel will comprise industry leaders and experts from the Richemont Club International, with judges invited by SBCTA to evaluate the contestants’ craftsmanship, innovation, and presentation.
According to Dr Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia, “Bringing ‘Bread in the City’ to Singapore reflects our commitment to celebrating Asia’s remarkable talent in bakery. This platform shines a global spotlight on the region’s craftsmanship, creativity and passion, offering the best bakers in Asia the opportunity to compete, learn and ultimately represent our region on the world stage. We are honoured to support the next generation of bakery excellence at SIGEP Asia and Restaurant Asia 2026.”
Building on this perspective, Matteo Cunsolo, President of Richemont Club Italy, underlined the global resonance of the competition. He said, “The Asia Selection for Bread in the City holds great significance for Richemont. Bread is a universal symbol that connects cultures and people, and its appreciation extends across the globe. The opportunity to showcase and witness teams from distant countries embrace the art of baking and challenge themselves in this craft is truly inspiring. We are deeply honoured to host the Asian team at the Bread in the City World Championship final and to celebrate the shared passion that unites the global bakery community.”
Echoing this commitment from a regional standpoint, Forest Lim, President of SBCTA, emphasised the importance of Asia’s role in the global bakery landscape. He said, “The Bread in the City – Asia Selection 2026 represents a defining moment for Asia’s bakery community. Hosting this competition in Singapore reflects our region’s growing contribution to global baking excellence. This event is not only about celebrating craftsmanship; it’s about recognising the innovation, discipline, and collaboration that define today’s bakers. We are proud to work with the Italian Exhibition Group to bring this platform to Asia, and we look forward to seeing the region’s best talents rise to the world stage in Rimini. Bread in the City is where the artistry of baking meets opportunity — and we invite industry partners to join us in supporting this remarkable showcase of skill, passion, and progress.”
UIBC Congress 2026
The International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC), representing the bakery and confectionery industry across the globe will hold its 2026 Congress from 13 to 15 July 2026 in Singapore in conjunction with SIGEP Asia 2026 and Restaurant Asia 2026.
The congress will bring together international leaders, master bakers and confectionery experts to exchange insights, celebrate craftsmanship and discuss emerging trends shaping the bakery industry’s future. UIBC delegates will also explore the innovations and advancements in F&B, Foodservice and Ho.Re.Ca. showcased at SIGEP Asia 2026 and Restaurant Asia 2026.
“The UIBC’s presence reflects the region’s growing importance in the global bakery landscape and presents a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to exchange insights, celebrate craftsmanship and be inspired by innovation, a spirit that SIGEP Asia and Restaurant Asia also proudly champions for our global and regional bakery communities.” said Dr Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia.
“UIBC (the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners) will hold its 2026 annual congress in Singapore, coinciding with SIGEP Asia. Bakers and confectioners representing 40 countries worldwide will meet to discuss the future of their crafts, and to elect the World Baker and World Confectioner of the Year 2026, who will take over from the Spaniard José Roldán and Singaporean Joanne Huang respectively,” said José Maria Fernandez, Secretary General of UIBC.
