The “Oscars of Bread” Crown the World Bread Awards USA Winners at IBIE 2025
The World Bread Awards USA Crafted by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and Bread Bakers Guild of America (BBGA) celebrated the nation’s finest bread artisans at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), awarding winners across 12 prestigious categories including baguettes, bagels, sourdough, and more.
Entries from across the world were judged live at the Baking ExpoTM, the Western Hemisphere’s largest baking industry event, for live judging on Monday, September 15, culminating in an exciting Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 16.
This year’s Overall Winner was Guy Frenkel of Céor Bakery who took home the coveted cash grand prize along with the honor of being crowned the World Bread Awards USA grand champion for the second time in a row. The competition also recognized champions in 12 diverse categories, showcasing the incredible creativity and skill of the baking community.
“Guy brings an avant-garde passion to breadmaking, transforming Céor into a creative laboratory where heritage and innovation meet,” said Stephen Hallam, Master Baker and Chair of Judges for the World Bread Awards.
The panel of judges featured esteemed industry experts, including previous award winners, members of the American Bakers Association (ABA), Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), Bread Bakers Guild of America (BBGA), and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), ensuring that each entry was evaluated by leaders and legends of the craft.
Entries spanning categories from traditional sourdough to specialty showstoppers earned trophies, media buzz, and invaluable industry recognition. The competition highlighted fresh talent and inventive recipes, reflecting the vibrant future of baking and offering inspiration to bakers and baking enthusiasts alike.
“I’m so impressed by the range of breads and backgrounds—some bakers come from science, others from creative artistry, but all share a passion for good bread,” said Herlinda Heras, two-time World Bread Awards judge.
“We are honored to host the World Bread Awards USA competition and award ceremony at the Baking Expo™,” said Jorge Zarate, IBIE 2025 Chair and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Grupo Bimbo. “On behalf of everyone at IBIE, I extend my congratulations to this year’s winners for excelling in their categories and crafting exceptional loaves that impressed the judges in blind-taste testing.”
2025 IBIE World Bread Awards USA Categories:
Overall Winner: Guy Frenkel – Céor
Bagel: Dustin King – Bread Bakery
Baguette: Jeremy Canut – Epicerie Boulud
Burger Bun: Johann Willar – Wynn Hotel Bakeshop
Challah: Arshiya Farheen – Verzênay Chicago
Ciabatta: Dustin King – Bread Bakery
Flatbread: Graham Martin – Ricks on 6th
Gluten Free: Jennifer Caloca – ALTADENA BREAD CO
Pretzel: Marco Agustinus – Conrad Orlando
Sourdough: Guy Frenkel – Céor Bakery
Showstopper Specialty – Savory: Mark Philip Santos – Valerio’s Bakeshop
Showstopper Specialty – Sweet: Diego Cubas – Wynn Las Vegas
Wholewheat/Whole Meal: Grisetti Everon – T2 Sourdough Boutique