Bengaluru : Three pioneering cake and sugar artists from Team India came together to represent the country on the international stage and returned as world champions, winning the 2-Day International Cake-Off Challenge at the International Cake Show Australia (ICSA) 2026. Representing the country, Team India/SugarSutra’s Anna Austin, Arati Mirji and Samie Ramachandran won the title of “World’s Best Extreme Cake Sculptors 2026” at the ACADA Australasian Cake Oscar Awards, competing against finalist teams from Australia, Japan and Taiwan.
The team’s winning sculpture interpreted the theme “Adventure” through Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu tradition, bringing the ferocity, colour and energy of the sport to life in cake, sugar and chocolate. Every inch of the piece, from the bull’s structure to the fine details on the garlands and the sculpted facial features of the Jallikattu player, was built live in just 12 hours. The cake captured the ‘adventure’ spirit through movement, rhythm, and visual drama, embodying India’s diversity, vibrancy, and artistic heritage.
Anna Austin, Arati Mirji and Samie Ramachandran, representing Team India, were chosen for the competition because of their established work and expertise within the Indian and international cake-art community. Anna was among the pioneers in introducing edible people modelling artistry in India and has also received international recognition. Arati is an internationally recognised sugar florist and award winner, with her work receiving accolades on the global stage. Samie is particularly known for his larger-than-life edible sculptures and is recognised for this specialised form of cake art.
A growing field still waiting for its due
Cake in India is a big business, layered by culinary experts, artisans, and home bakers alike. India’s cake market is projected to more than double by 2031, from USD 2.38 billion to USD 4.42 billion, growing at 13.22% a year. Despite that growth, cake as an art form has no formal governing body in India, and no dedicated industry structure recognising the artists behind it.
The trio believes a field with this much potential is overdue proper recognition, given their experience in the industry. Over the years, the trio has shared their knowledge by teaching and training other artists, helping the art form grow within India. Each of them has contributed greatly to the development of products and techniques in their respective niches, which have helped other cake artists create and develop their own work. They are also actively involved in training the next generation of artists. Beyond their own win, they hope the title draws attention to the talent, training and technical innovation coming out of India’s cake and sugar-art community.
“We’re over the moon after the win, and this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, George Maijo Industries, Magic Colours, OSSORO Flavours, and Fab Flavours & Fragrances Pvt. Ltd. For us, 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. There are so many talented artists and entrepreneurs working in this space in India. What can make a real difference for them is being recognised here at home. That gives the craft the visibility it needs and can open up more opportunities for Indian artists to take their work to the world. We hope this achievement will bring greater attention to the art form and the people behind it, including from the Government of India and the authorities in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where our roots and careers are closely tied. When these artists and entrepreneurs grow, they create opportunities, businesses and new ways for India’s creativity and culture to travel beyond its borders,” said Team India – SugarSutra.
The recognition has already begun closer to home. Ahead of the competition, Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheeshan wrote a note congratulating the team on being invited to represent India, calling it a “matter of pride” and wishing success at ICSA 2026.
The faces behind the win
Anna Austin, founder of Cake Canvas – Happiness in a Box, is recognised as one of India’s pioneers in people modelling and life-size edible sculptures. She led Team India, SugarSutra, at the International Cake Show Australia (ICSA) 2026. She is the creator of ANNA AUSTIN Modelling Paste and has received multiple international and Indian accolades, including the ICA Indian Industry Icon Award 2025 and IICMA Next Global Star 2026. She spearheaded ‘Sweethearts of the World,’ a global cake artist collaboration that won the International Best Collaboration Award 2026 from Cake Art Magazine, Portugal. She’s also been selected as a Finalist in the Sculpted Cake Awards 2026 held by Cake Collaborator Magazine, USA.
Arati Mirji, a Bengaluru-based sugar flower artist, is internationally recognised for her highly realistic sugar floristry and as an international mentor/ teacher. Her honours include the Artistic Excellence Award India by IICMA, Cake Masters Magazine Award UK, Gold at Cake International UK and Sugar Flower Artist of the Year at the D’licious Magazine Awards UK. Arati, in collaboration with Saracino, a leading international brand from Italy, created “Flowerpaste by Arati Mirji
Samie Ramachandran, founder and director of Sugar Sculpt Academy, Bengaluru, is known for his large-scale edible sculptures and structural cake artistry. With more than 11 years of experience, his honours include ICA Industry Icon of the Year 2024, ICA League of Legends 2025 and IICMA Sugar Artisan Extraordinaire – India 2026. He is also the creator of Edible Clay Paste, developed for professional sugar sculpting.
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