Bengaluru Trio Wins World’s Best Extreme Cake Sculptors 2026, Showcases India’s Jallikattu Heritage
Anna Austin, Arati Mirji and Samie Ramachandran defeat teams from Japan, Taiwan and Australia with a 12-hour edible sculpture
Bengaluru, 22 October 2026: Three Indian cake artists from Bengaluru have brought international recognition to the country by winning the title of “World’s Best Extreme Cake Sculptors 2026” at the ACADA Australasian Cake Oscar Awards during the International Cake Show Australia (ICSA) 2026.
Anna Austin, Arati Mirji and Samie Ramachandran, representing Team India/SugarSutra, won the two-day International Cake-Off Challenge, competing against finalist teams from Australia, Japan and Taiwan.
Their winning entry interpreted the theme “Adventure” through Tamil Nadu’s traditional Jallikattu sport, recreating its energy, colour and movement using cake, sugar and chocolate. The intricate sculpture, featuring a bull and a Jallikattu participant, was completed live in just 12 hours.
A Cultural Story Told Through Edible Art
The achievement highlights the technical skill and creativity of India’s cake and sugar-art community, which combines culinary expertise with sculpture, design and craftsmanship.
“We’re over the moon after the win, and this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors,” the team said, acknowledging Malabar Gold & Diamonds, George Maijo Industries, Magic Colours, OSSORO Flavours, and Fab Flavours & Fragrances Pvt. Ltd.
“This is much bigger than a personal achievement. It is a win for the craft and for the growing community of cake artists across India,” the team added, calling for greater recognition from the Government of India and the governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheeshan had earlier congratulated the team on its selection to represent India, describing the opportunity as a “matter of pride”.
Artists Call for Greater Industry Recognition
Despite the expansion of India’s cake market, the artists say cake sculpting and sugar art lack a formal national governing body and a dedicated industry structure to recognise practitioners and support their professional growth.
The trio has contributed to the field through training, mentoring and developing specialised products and techniques for fellow artists and emerging professionals. They hope the international title will create opportunities for Indian talent and encourage investment in the craft.
Three Specialists, One Historic Victory
Anna Austin, founder of Cake Canvas, is known for people modelling and life-size edible sculptures. She created ANNA AUSTIN Modelling Paste and has received national and international awards.
Bengaluru-based Arati Mirji is an internationally recognised sugar-flower artist and mentor. Her honours include a gold award at Cake International in the UK, while her collaboration with Italian brand Saracino led to the creation of “Flowerpaste by Arati Mirji”.
Samie Ramachandran, founder of Sugar Sculpt Academy, Bengaluru, specialises in large-scale edible sculptures and structural cake art. With more than 11 years of experience, he has also developed Edible Clay Paste for professional sugar sculpting.
Their victory underscores how Indian artistic traditions, when combined with innovation and technical excellence, can command attention on the global stage.
