CATEGORY LEADERSHIP AWARDS DESSERT DECORATIONS

Dessert

decoration leaders like DecoPac and Wilton are incorporating the latest design and flavor trends, along with new technology, to fuel their mission to help customers tap into their inner creative impulses and fully realize their passions in the form of edible art. While traditionally, the category is geared toward supporting baking professionals, companies are increasingly factoring in the whims and desires of end consumers as well in their product development.

It’s an exciting time to be evolving the category, said John Gardner, DecoPac Director of Marketing. “Firstly, there is a growing demand for personalized and custom-designed cakes and desserts. Consumers today are looking for unique and one-of-a-kind creations that reflect their individuality within special occasions. From intricate hand-painted designs to edible prints and 3D figurines, decorators are pushing the boundaries of creativity to cater to this demand,” he said. “DecoPac ensures we provide solutions to our bakery customers that inspire the shopper and allows the decorator to easily and efficiently create a masterpiece.”

For example, “One of our highly anticipated new products is a range of innovative edible decor,” he said. “We understand that decorators are always looking for new ways to elevate their designs, and this edible decor will provide them with a versatile and convenient tool to unleash their creativity. Simple sugar-based embellishments, chocolate enhancements, candy toppings, themed sprinkle fusion mixes and high-quality colors for use in cake and icing will allow decorators to achieve intricate designs, eye-pleasing effects and even dramatic finishes on their cakes. These edible products are formulated to ensure the highest level of food safety and deliver exceptional results, opening up endless possibilities for decorators to create visually stunning masterpieces.”

Last summer, Wilton unveiled several product extensions in the form of bakeware and decorating tools along with three thematic collections: a floral and folklore thematic, a galaxy thematic and a beach-inspired sea life collection. Each line includes cupcake liners, sprinkles, cookie cutters, icing decorations and silicone molds. “At Wilton, we are always dreaming, creating and innovating products we know our fans will love,” said spokesperson Ashley Papanikolas. “Parties are an expression of style and with more consumers hosting parties at home again our new line-up arms bakers and decorators with the supplies they need to unleash their creativity in the kitchen and beyond. The dessert possibilities are endless and sure to be delicious and ‘wow-worthy’ for everyone.”

DecoPac’s Edible Expressions program provides options for bakeries to showcase their creativity and target specific messages for customized orders. “A reason to celebrate can be found in a simple achievement, a thank you, or just to take a moment of peace in a hectic world,” Gardner said.

In line with the digital age, technology is also playing a significant role in driving trends throughout the category, said Gardner. “The integration of edible printing technology has revolutionized cake decoration, allowing for intricate designs, personalized images and even photo-realistic prints on cakes. This innovation has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for decorators to create visually stunning and highly personalized edible art utilizing our PhotoCake technology in bakery.”

In fact, the consumer ordering experience for online cake and dessert ordering is becoming an increasingly important consideration in the dessert decorations and cake category, said Gardner. “Consumers are seeking easyto-use alternatives to traditional order forms and over-the-counter methods such as QR-based cake ‘look books,’ interactive kiosks and online ordering technology such as our Celebration IQ platform,” he said. “Celebration IQ technology allows a consumer to order a cake and incorporate their own photo imagery onto the finished product through the use of any device. And in this mobile-centric world we’re in, that saves shoppers time, while giving them the personalization they crave. The use of Celebration IQ allows an opportunity for bakeries to showcase their commitment to ensuring a seamless cake ordering process for shoppers, while giving them the ability to personalize cakes at the highest degree.”