17 teams from across seven states showcase culinary innovation using USA Blueberries in a three-day event.
CHANDIGARH – The 14th North India Patisserie Competition 2026 officially commenced on Tuesday at the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management (CIHM) campus in Sector 42. Organized in collaboration with the US Highbush Blueberry Council, the three-day event serves as a premier platform for aspiring pastry professionals to showcase technical skill and artistic innovation.
A total of 17 teams, each consisting of two students, are representing prominent hotel management and culinary institutes from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh.
Focus on Global Ingredients and Innovation
This year’s competition mandates the use of USA Blueberries as a core ingredient. Participants are tasked with integrating the fruit in various forms—including frozen, purée, dried, and freeze-dried—into several categories:
- Theme-Based Decorated Cakes
- Plated Desserts
- Breads and Petit Fours (Day One focus)
- Fondant Modelling
- Culinary Quiz Competition
The event aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry standards by exposing students to international ingredients and contemporary techniques.
Expert Jury and Leadership Perspectives
The participants’ creations are being evaluated by a panel of industry experts, including Chef Ashian Topno (Pillsbury India), Chef Guru Prakash Singh, Chef Satya Prakash (Holiday Inn Chandigarh), and Chef Sandeep Kanoujia (Hyatt Regency Chandigarh). The jury noted the high level of precision and creativity displayed during the opening rounds.
The competition was inaugurated by Vishal Kalia, Principal of CIHM Chandigarh, and Raj Kapoor, India Representative for USA Blueberries.
“The North India Patisserie Competition has grown into a benchmark event for culinary education in the region,” stated Vishal Kalia during the welcome address.
Raj Kapoor highlighted the importance of student engagement with global produce, adding, “It is inspiring to see young chefs creatively exploring the versatility of USA Blueberries in modern patisserie. Our association with CIHM reflects our continued effort to… promote premium global ingredients within India’s evolving food landscape.”
The competition will continue over the next two days, culminating in an awards ceremony to recognize the top talent in the regional culinary circuit.
