500 international chefs compete in Ho Chi Minh City to find the best baker

On December 11, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City), the Vietnam Bakery Association (Vietnam Tourism Association) organized the international talented chef competition in Vietnam - The Viet Nam Bakery Cup 2024 (VNBC).

This is an exciting competition attracting 500 professional bakers from home and abroad.

According to the records, in the competitions, the contestants tried to demonstrate their talents, skills and creativity. Each contestant participating must ensure the professionalism of the international competition; ensure food safety and hygiene, security and order.

Ms. Tran Thi Hien Minh, Vice President of the Saigon Professional Chefs Association, said that this was the first competition held in Vietnam, attracting 500 professional pastry chefs, cooks, and sculptors, including international contestants from Korea, China, Malaysia, etc.

According to Ms. Minh, the exams and grading are all according to international standards. The contestants with the highest prizes will be selected to compete in the international arena.

The international chef competition is one of the activities within the Vietnam International Bakery Exhibition (VIBS 2024) taking place at the same time.

The exhibition attracted great attention from the global bakery industry community, especially representatives from countries and territories that are members of the International Federation of Chinese Bakery and Confectionery Associations (IFCBCA), including the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as representatives from the world's leading bakery exhibition organizers.

Bakery industry grows despite economic difficulties

According to Mr. Kao Sieu Luc, General Director of Asia Confectionery Joint Stock Company (ABC Bakery), in 2024, the bakery industry in Vietnam will continue to maintain positive growth momentum, despite economic fluctuations.

In addition, the strong participation of young people is contributing to promoting the cake market. Many small bakeries are opened, not only meeting the diverse needs of consumers but also creating new vitality for the industry.

Mr. Luc said that recently, many young people have started their own businesses, opening small but creative bakeries. That is also the reason why the organizers bring exhibitions on the bakery industry to Vietnam to support them in learning about machinery, technology and connecting with the market.

Not only introducing modern equipment, exhibitions also open up opportunities for young businesses to access new information and techniques, thereby improving production capacity, quality and product diversity.

In addition to the vibrant domestic market, exports are also a bright spot in the bakery industry. According to Mr. Luc, the company's bakery export revenue to Japan accounts for 50% of total revenue, while the domestic market recorded a growth rate of 15-20% compared to 2023.

"Today, the market is still expanding, from small shops to large brand chains. Bakeries continue to appear everywhere, meeting the constant needs of consumers," he added.

It is forecasted that by 2025, the bakery industry will continue to develop positively, especially in the context of Vietnam's economy maintaining stable growth. Enterprises in the industry are focusing on improving technology and developing high-quality human resources, ensuring regional and international competitiveness.

At the same time, consumer trends are also changing. Consumers prefer less sweet and less fat bakery products, but still ensure delicious and diverse flavors, pushing major brands to constantly innovate to meet increasing demand.