DES PERES, Mo. – When Schnucks Des Peres Cake Decorator Jodi Schweiss flew to Anaheim, Calif. for the International Dairy, Deli and Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) 16th annual Cake Decorating Challenge, she had no idea she’d be flying back with the first place trophy!
Schweiss, a third-generation baker, has more than 30 years experience and has worked at Schnucks since 2009. Approximately 100 decorators from across the country submitted photos to the IDDBA and the three finalists were chosen to compete.
As a finalist, Schweiss estimates she decorated more than 30 cakes during the three-day competition. The first day, contestants decorated enough cakes to fill one multi-tiered, seven-foot bakery case followed by a multi-tiered wedding cake on the second day. In the final challenge, contestants decorated three themed cakes of their choosing from select categories.
“When they announced me as the winner, I cried and was truly surprised and honored,” Schweiss said. “I dedicated my win to my father and mother. My dad taught me my work ethic, and my mom taught me everything I know about cake decorating.”
Schweiss said she didn’t have much free time but did get to enjoy some California sun after the big win. “I took my trophy to the beach, held it in the air and thanked God,” Jodi said.
According to Schnucks Vice President of Bakery Bill Mihu, this is the first time a Schnucks teammate has entered the competition, but everyone had faith in Jodi’s talents. “Everyone at Schnucks is extremely proud of Jodi. She truly does strive to provide our Des Peres bakery customers with a spectacular food experience every time they order a custom-decorated cake from her,” Mihu said.
Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates 105 stores (including five Logli stores) and 101 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi. Follow Schnucks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Schnucks.
Source: Schnuck Markets, Inc