RJonathan Armistad Takes First Place in IDDBA's 13th Annual Cake Decorating Challenge

For Immediate Release

Madison, WI, June 3, 2008 — RJonathan Armistead, Hy-Vee Inc., Columbia, Missouri was the winner of the International Dairy•Deli•Bakery Association's™ (IDDBA) thirteenth annual Cake Decorating Challenge held at the Dairy-Deli-Bake 2008 seminar and expo in New Orleans, LA, June 1-3.

Second place went to: Doris Irias Varela, Publix Super Markets Inc., Miami, Florida. The third place winner was: Trish Horsley, Price Cutter Supermarkets, Poteau, Oklahoma.

"There are other cake decorating contests all over the country that usually allow decorators to enter one or more categories and to show off their specialty. This event is different because it's really a marathon. The decorators have to create on site, in a convention center, under less than ideal temperatures, in front of hundreds of people— for three days! They're using real cakes and real frosting. They're under the gun to be a star and make themselves, their friends and families, and their company proud of their efforts. The reward for the hard work that it takes to be selected is more hard work! A contest like this is contest of nerves, stamina, and outstanding creativity. We are delighted that, after 13 years, we're still pulling in people who have nerves of steel and frosting in their blood." IDDBA Executive Director Carol Christison said of the Cake Challenge Contestants.

There are three phases to the Challenge. On Sunday, June 1, each contestant decorated a wedding cake. On Monday, June 2, each contestant decorated enough cakes to fill one multi-tiered, eight-foot bakery case. On Tuesday, June 3, each contestant decorated three cakes of their choosing, one from each category: special occasion; theme/event; and decorator's interpretation of the IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake show theme—“Super Mardi Gras."

Judges for the contest were: Luke Bender, Maplehurst Bakeries, Inc. and Jim Caliendo, Rich Products Corporation. Ray Lippert, Bakery Crafts was on site to support the contestants and provide equipment. Bakery Crafts also provided cake decorating accessories, tips, equipment, and support. HC Brill Company, Inc., Enjay Converters Ltd., Flavor Right Foods, Lawrence Foods, Inc., Maplehurst Bakeries, Inc., Mona Lisa Food Products, Inc., and Rich Products Corporation provided cakes, cake boards, and frosting for the event.

Information on IDDBA's research, education, and other industry activities is also available on the Web site, www.iddba.org, or by calling 608.310.5000. Now in its 44th year, IDDBA specializes in promoting the dairy, deli, cheese, and bakery industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual seminar and expo, leading-edge research, video and CD-ROM training programs, management tools, an annual trends report, and a member directory of key industry contacts.

Jessica Hughes, Communications Coordinator
International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA)
636 Science Drive, Madison, WI 53711-1073
PO Box 5528, Madison, WI 53705-0528
Tel: 608.310.5000 Fax: 608.238.6330
jhughes@iddba.org