For more than two decades, the Bakery Fair has been the beating heart of the Philippine baking industry. Organized by the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), it has grown from a simple trade show into a premier gathering of bakers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs—setting trends, forging partnerships, and pushing the industry forward.
But after 14 editions and countless innovations, what’s next for this biennial baking extravaganza?
A Legacy Built on Growth
When the first Bakery Fair was launched in 2001, FCBAI wasn’t looking to build a massive event. Instead, it was about providing affordable opportunities for bakers—especially small business owners—to access new techniques, equipment, and industry connections.
The event flourished, attracting local and international suppliers, drawing in bigger crowds, and creating a platform for education, networking, and business expansion. Today, it is one of the most highly anticipated baking industry events in the country.
“The goal has always been to create awareness for bakeries, to help them grow and learn,” said past FCBAI president Gerry Chua, who spearheaded the first edition. “It’s not just about selling ingredients or equipment; it’s about fostering a real baking community.”
Adapting to the Times
Like any long-running event, the Bakery Fair has had to adapt to changing times. One of the biggest shifts happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face gatherings were impossible. Instead of shutting down, FCBAI pivoted to virtual events, launching the first-ever online Bakery Fair.
This shift proved that the industry was resilient and willing to embrace innovation. Suppliers held virtual demos, bakers attended online workshops, and knowledge-sharing continued despite the lockdowns.
Now, as onsite events return in full force, the challenge is to keep the fair fresh, relevant, and forward-thinking.
A National and Global Vision
One of FCBAI’s biggest moves in recent years was bringing the Bakery Fair outside of Metro Manila. In 2018, the event expanded to Davao, making it accessible to bakers from Visayas and Mindanao.
“Our greater vision is to bring together all the baking communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” shared past FCBAI president Bien Enrico Ah. “We want to give more opportunities to bakers in the provinces, not just in Metro Manila.”
This expansion highlights a key direction for the Bakery Fair: going beyond its usual boundaries. With regional outreach seminars, international learning trips, and collaborations with global baking organizations, FCBAI is actively positioning the Philippine baking industry as a strong player on the world stage.
Innovation and the Future of Baking
Technology is rapidly changing the food industry, and baking is no exception. Today’s trends include healthier alternatives, automation, and sustainability—all of which are becoming central themes at the Bakery Fair.
FCBAI has been investing in new research and training to help local bakers keep up with global trends. Under past president Bien Enrico Ah, the association acquired new equipment for flour analysis, ensuring that Filipino bakers have access to high-quality ingredients.
“As a true authority and leader in the baking industry, we are here to guide and assist bakers and entrepreneurs,” Ah said. “Though baking is an old culinary tradition, we want to make sure that the people behind it are updated, educated, and equipped to take on a growing and competitive market.”
With AI-driven baking technology, automated dough processing, and eco-friendly packaging solutions becoming the new normal, the Bakery Fair is expected to embrace and showcase more of these advancements in its future editions.
The Next Generation of Bakers
Beyond professional training, FCBAI is also investing in the future of the baking industry by engaging young talents.
Through initiatives like summer baking workshops for kids, FCBAI is sparking interest in baking at an early age. These workshops teach children how to make pizza, cupcakes, cookies, and pancakes—not just as fun activities, but as potential career paths in the industry.
With an influx of young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs entering the business, the Bakery Fair is evolving to cater to the next generation of bakers and pastry chefs.
What to Expect from the Next Bakery Fair?
As FCBAI gears up for the 14th edition of the Bakery Fair, it’s clear that this event will continue to grow and evolve. Expect bigger workshops, more interactive experiences, and a stronger focus on innovation—all while staying true to its original mission of supporting and uplifting Filipino bakers.
“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.”
With a rich history, a strong present, and a bold vision for the future, the Bakery Fair isn’t just an event—it’s a movement that’s shaping the future of the Philippine baking industry, one loaf at a time.
