4th Edition of the National Pastry Event ‘Junior Pastry Indian Cup’ to showcase young Talent at IHE EXPO 2025

New Delhi, July 25, 2025 – India’s most anticipated pastry and bakery talent hunt The Junior Pastry India Cup (JPIC) 2025, will be hosted at the IHE Expo, Greater Noida, from August 3 to 6, 2025. The 4th Junior Pastry India Cup (JPIC) 2025 organised by Hammer Management & Marketing Services & IHE Expo, is all set to whisk creativity, competition, and culinary mastery together. This prestigious team-based event will take place August 3–4, 2025. With the melodious theme of “Music & Melody”, the 4th Edition of Junior Pastry India Cup 2025 will test young pastry chefs to translate rhythm and emotion into edible art. The winning team will earn the honour of representing India at the prestigious 2026 Junior Pastry World Cup in Rimini, Italy, with all expenses covered.

Contestant working on his pastry creation at Junior India Pastry Cup 2024

Organised alongside the Master Bakers India Challenge and The Culinary League, this four-day gastronomic extravaganza brings together the country’s top talent from cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur. Together, these competitions showcase the future of India’s baking, pastry, and culinary arts.

Sanjay Anand, Director Hammer Group, shared, “Over the years, India has witnessed a pastry revolution—what was once seen as ornamental has now evolved into a blend of science, art, and cultural storytelling. Our young chefs are no longer just following trends; they’re setting them, infusing global techniques with Indian identity. This year’s Junior Pastry India Cup, themed ‘Music & Melody’, will push the boundaries of creativity and precision like never before. Expect desserts that don’t just taste exquisite but also resonate emotionally—each plate a performance in itself.”

Rajat Taneja, Director & Editor Hammer Group, further elaborates, “The core purpose of organizing these events is to showcase the artistic and creative talent of Indian chefs, while also providing a platform to help them prepare for international competitions”.

India’s pastry scene is rising fast, fuelled by bold innovation, creativity, and growing global exposure. Events like the Junior Pastry India Cup (JPIC) give momentum to this growth while helping bridge critical skill and training gaps. Held over six intense rounds with the theme “Music & Melody,” the competition will feature 24 young chefs across 8 teams from India’s top hotels and culinary institutes, crafting desserts that reflect rhythm and emotion. An eminent jury comprising Chef Parvinder Singh, Chef Balendra Singh, and Chef Eureka Araujo will guide and evaluate the participants.

Following the Junior Pastry India Cup, the next key event will be the 2nd Master Bakers Challenge India, scheduled for August 5, 2025. This high-stakes competition will feature 8 professional bakers from across India, each given 6 hours to create Fougasse, Baguette, Bruschetta, Quiche, Sweet Bread, and Savoury Bread. An expert jury comprising Chef Gaurav Mishra, Chef Satbir Singh, Chef Parvinder Singh, and Chef Nauman Qureshi will judge the performances. With Chef Sandeep from Claridges Hotels, the reigning champion, returning to defend his title, the competition promises intense action. The winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Malaysia for advanced bakery training.

Rounding off the culinary celebration is the Agropure Culinary League’s “Battle of Besan,” a unique platform for 16 home cooks to showcase the versatility of humble chickpea flour (besan) across three creative rounds. From sweets to savories, participants are expected to blend tradition with gourmet finesse, transforming everyday ingredients into plated artistry. Chef Shailendra Singh, Chef Virender S. Datta, Chef Anuraag Narsingani, Chef Balendra Singh will be jury for the culinary league.

All the participants will receive world-class mentorship and undergo rigorous preparation – from time-bound simulations to plating drills. The competitions have become talent accelerators, transforming not just careers, but also the ambitions of India’s culinary talent.