Lunds & Byerlys Cake Decorator Ices Competition at IDDBA

L to R: Dustin Humpherys, Weston Foods; Dawn Sweezey, Rich Products Corp.; Natasha Damm; Lindsay Anderson; Randy Stratton; Erik Waterkotte, IDDBA board chairman & sr. director of sales, Columbus Craft Meats; Mike Eardley, President & CEO, IDDBA

Lindsay Anderson of Minneapolis-based Lunds & Byerlys masterfully decorated her way to victory as the winner of the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s 23rd annual Cake Decorating Challenge.

The live three-day competition was a highlight of IDDBA 18,  which took place earlier this week in New Orleans. The trio of contestants were challenged to fill an eight-foot bakery case with cakes, two custom “300th Anniversary of New Orleans” themed cakes and a tiered wedding cake.

Anderson began decorating cakes 14 years ago while still in high school but had long been interested in decorating since she was a young child. She told IDDBA earlier this year that she loves how her job allows her to use her creativity and passion for art each day in her role as a pastry chef.

Natasha Damm of Garden Home Market Place, Portland, Ore., was the runner-up, while Randy Stratton of Kroger’s Wichita, Kan.-based Dillons division brought home the bronze medal.

IDDBA’s 2018 Cake Decorating competition judges included Dawn Sweezey, Rich Products Corp.; and Dustin Humpherys of Weston Foods.

New this year was the Best Tasting Cake Award, which was presented to Damm. Joshua John Russell from in2food judged the tasting portion of the competition.

Related:The ‘Why’ Factor's Role in Shopper Purchasing Behavior

In other IDDBA award news, industry veteran Bill Klump, CMO for Butterball, was honored with the Madison, Wis.-based association’s 2018 Chairman’s Award, which annually recognizes those who put in a lifetime of service and dedication to the industry and have led with vision and commitment.

Klump has served on IDDBA’s board of directors since 2006 and has spent a large majority of his career in marketing. Prior to his current role, he held corporate positions with Conagra, Sara Lee Refrigerated Foods and Hillshire Farm.