National Competition of Baking Art: A Stage for the Excellence of Italian Bakery
Conceived by Richemont Club Italia in collaboration with Italian Exhibition Group.
The National Competition of Baking Art stands as the pinnacle of competitions dedicated to professionals who, each day, transform flour, water and passion into fragrant and flavorful masterpieces. This national contest was established with the ambitious goal of celebrating and promoting the craftsmanship, creativity, innovation and quality that define Italian artisan baking.
Exclusively open to professional bakers—owners or employees of artisan bakeries, baking laboratories and related businesses—the championship offers a unique platform to:
- Demonstrate technical expertise: The various competition tasks are designed to rigorously assess participants' skills in dough preparation, fermentation, shaping and baking techniques
- Showcase creativity: Beyond traditional recipes, the competition encourages innovation and experimentation with ingredients, combinations and presentations
- Highlight the importance of ingredient quality: Special attention is given to the use of carefully selected raw materials, promoting local products and short supply chains
- Promote the culture of artisan bread: The event aims to raise awareness among both the public and industry professionals about the value of artisan bread as a cornerstone of Italian gastronomic tradition
In partnership with
Competition Structure
The National Competition of Baking Art features multiple judging categories, each focused on specific aspects of baking craft. Categories may include, but are not limited to:
- Traditional Italian Bread: Evaluation of typical regional or national loaves, with particular attention to production techniques, natural fermentation (where applicable), crust, crumb, aroma and flavor.
- Bakery-Style Pizza: Judging of tray-baked pizzas—both margherita and creative interpretations—emphasizing ingredient pairing and originality.
- Sweet and Savory Leavened Products: Submission of items such as brioche and focaccia, assessed for softness, crumb structure, ingredient balance and flavor.
- Innovative Baked Goods: This category highlights original creations that showcase the baker’s ability to experiment with new ingredients, methods or combinations while maintaining a strong connection to artisan tradition.
- Bread Sculpting and Artistic Presentation: One of the competition’s signature tests requires participants to present an artistic bread piece, prepared in advance and creatively assembled on site.
Judging Criteria
A panel of experts—including master bakers, industry technicians, food and wine journalists, and opinion leaders—will evaluate submissions based on rigorous criteria, including:
- Flavor and aroma: Harmony of flavors, intensity and persistence of aromas
- Visual appearance: Shape, browning, presentation and overall aesthetics
- Crumb structure: Internal porosity, softness, moisture and chewiness
- Crust (where applicable): Crispness, color and flavor
- Production technique: Correct execution of all preparation stages
- Creativity and innovation: Originality of the concept and the ability to introduce new elements while respecting artisan baking principles
- Ingredient use and quality: Selection of raw materials and their enhancement in the final product
Awards and Recognition
Winners in each category, along with the overall winner of the National Competition of Baking Art, will receive prestigious awards and recognition, which may include:
- Trophies and certificates of merit
- Media exposure in specialized and national press
- Collaboration opportunities with companies in the sector
- A significant boost to their professional image and business visibility
How to Participate
Registration procedures and detailed rules for each category will be communicated through our official channels. We invite interested professionals to stay informed and not miss the chance to take part in this exciting competition.
The National Competition of Baking Art is more than just a contest—it is a celebration of the passion, skill and dedication of those who bring the authentic aroma of handmade bread to our tables every day. Join us in writing a new chapter in the history of Italian baking!
