Every two years, thousands of bakers, suppliers, and food entrepreneurs gather at the World Trade Center for what has become the biggest and most anticipated event in the Philippine baking industry—The Bakery Fair.
From bustling booths filled with the latest baking innovations to masterclasses by renowned chefs, this event isn’t just about selling flour and ovens—it’s about pushing the industry forward, one perfectly baked loaf at a time.
But how did this all start? And why has it become such a must-attend event for industry players and aspiring bakers alike?
Baking Up a Game-Changer
The idea for a large-scale bakery expo wasn’t always on the table. In fact, when the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) first floated the idea in 2001, it was simply about giving bakery owners an affordable venue to learn, network, and showcase their craft. But with each edition, the event grew—attracting international suppliers, drawing in bigger crowds, and setting new standards for what an industry fair could be.
“We wanted something that wasn’t just about selling equipment or ingredients,” said past FCBAI president Gerry Chua, who spearheaded the first fair. “The goal was to build a community—where knowledge is shared, partnerships are formed, and everyone benefits.”
What started as a small gathering has now evolved into a massive biennial event, bringing together baking professionals, industry giants, and homegrown entrepreneurs under one roof.
A Fair Like No Other
Walking into the Bakery Fair today feels like stepping into a baker’s wonderland. Rows of booths showcase state-of-the-art ovens, cutting-edge baking technology, and artisanal ingredients from all over the world. There’s the smell of freshly baked bread, the buzz of excited attendees, and the sight of live baking demonstrations that draw in huge crowds.
One of the fair’s biggest highlights? The Baking Showdown, where professionals and rising talents compete in various categories—showcasing their skills in cake decorating, bread-making, and pastry innovation. It’s a battle of technique, creativity, and precision—one that has helped launch many careers in the industry.
“This is where trends are made,” shared Bien Enrico Ah, past FCBAI president. “If you want to see what’s next in baking—whether it’s new flavors, healthier alternatives, or automated baking solutions—you’ll find it here.”
Beyond the competition, the fair also serves as a platform for learning. International and local experts hold workshops, training sessions, and panel discussions, covering everything from sustainable baking practices to the science of fermentation.
Taking It Beyond Manila
In 2018, FCBAI took a bold step—bringing the Bakery Fair outside Metro Manila for the first time. The destination? Davao.
It was a huge undertaking, but the goal was clear: to bring together bakers from all regions—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“Our greater vision is to connect the entire baking community,” said Bien Enrico Ah. “We saw that there was strong demand outside of Manila, and we wanted to bring the fair closer to them.”
The move paid off. Bakery Fair Davao drew in regional bakery owners, local ingredient suppliers, and young entrepreneurs eager to break into the industry. It was proof that baking wasn’t just a Metro Manila business—it was a nationwide passion.
Weathering the Challenges
Like every industry event, the Bakery Fair had its share of challenges—none bigger than the COVID-19 pandemic. With in-person gatherings impossible, FCBAI had to adapt quickly.
Enter the virtual Bakery Fair.
Instead of canceling outright, FCBAI shifted online, holding virtual baking demos, supplier showcases, and live discussions. It wasn’t the same as a physical event, but it kept the industry engaged. And when on-site fairs finally made a comeback, the hunger for face-to-face interactions was stronger than ever.
What’s Next for the Bakery Fair?
Now on its 14th edition, the Bakery Fair is gearing up for another milestone event. With the return of hands-on workshops, live competitions, and global exhibitors, FCBAI is once again setting the stage for the future of baking.
And while the fair continues to grow, its core mission remains the same: to educate, innovate, and bring the baking community together.
“At the end of the day, this is for the bakers,” said Christopher Ah, current FCBAI leader. “We want them to thrive, to grow, and to see that there’s always something new to learn in this industry.”
From a simple industry gathering to a full-blown baking phenomenon, the Bakery Fair has become more than just an event—it’s a tradition, a movement, and a testament to the Filipino passion for baking.
And with each edition, one thing remains clear: this industry, much like its best pastries, is only getting better with time.
