Nine bakers and pastry professionals from Antigua and Barbuda have been nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), set to take place during the Caribbean Baking Awards Festival Weekend in Sint Maarten. According to Antigua News Room, the nominations place the twin-island nation firmly on the regional culinary stage.
The Caribbean Baking Awards Festival Weekend is a three-day event that has grown into one of the Caribbean's premier celebrations of baking excellence, culinary tourism, youth development, and regional unity. This year's edition is held under the theme "One Caribbean Baking Together."
The festival opens with the Ultimate Bake-Off Competition, in which six Caribbean teams will go head-to-head in a live baking challenge designed to highlight creativity, technical skill, and authentic Caribbean flavours. The event also features a Youth Baking Showcase, offering the region's emerging bakers a platform to demonstrate their talent and explore future careers in the baking and pastry arts.
The weekend concludes with the Caribbean Baking Awards All-White Gala, an evening dedicated to honouring the Caribbean's top bakers, pastry chefs, cake artists, culinary entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for their contributions to the region.
Judging this year's competition is an international panel that includes Antiguan and Barbudan culinary professional Chef Nadine Anthony, Chef Dominic Dart of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, and Sint Maarten's Chef Kareem Brooks. American celebrity chef Lincoln Alexander will also serve as a distinguished guest judge.
Founder and CEO Shanda Webster-Glasgow said the strong showing from Antigua and Barbuda reflects the country's deepening commitment to culinary excellence. "We are incredibly proud to celebrate the nine nominees representing Antigua and Barbuda this year. Their passion, creativity, and dedication continue to raise the standard of Caribbean baking, and we look forward to welcoming them to Sint Maarten as we celebrate the very best our region has to offer."
Residents wishing to attend the Saturday Ultimate Bake-Off Competition and Festival Activities can purchase tickets online. Those interested in the All-White Gala may reserve seats through the Caribbean Baking Awards official website, after which a team member will follow up directly with payment details to complete the booking.
The Caribbean Baking Awards organisation states it remains committed to celebrating Caribbean talent, supporting young bakers, advancing culinary tourism, and preserving the rich baking traditions that connect the region.
