Siphosethu Mbimbi crowned the best emerging baker in the Eastern Cape

Siphosethu Mbimbi, owner of Crust and Crumble from Qonce, has been named the Eastern Cape’s Snowflake Rising Stars winner for 2026 after a live competition that put emerging bakers’ skills and business ambitions to the test.

Ten finalists from across the province, including Gqeberha, Komani, Mthatha, East London, Qonce and Bhisho, competed at the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence in East London on Saturday 3 October. Nkosomzi Damana from Gqeberha took second place, while Nthabiseng Mpinda from Mdantsane placed third.

Each baker pitched their business, presented a red velvet cheesecake prepared in advance and had 90 minutes to create a spring-inspired dessert using Snowflake flour. Chef Ian Fritz Reynolds, Chef Jacques Viviers and Sibusiso Dhlamini, technical sales representative from Premier, judged their work, considering taste, texture, creativity and presentation.

“I was surprisingly relaxed during the pressure test because this is what I do every day. All the ingredients came together naturally and made sense with what I had in mind. Winning this competition means so much to me, as it gives me the opportunity to grow my business and flourish with the additional support,” said Mbimbi.

Mbimbi, received R20 000 in business capital, second place received R15 000, while third place received R10 000. Each of the top three also received a marketing and branding toolkit with R30 000, business skills training, media exposure and Snowflake products.

Mbimbi has shown both the baking skill and the ambition to grow a business. This prize gives her capital, practical tools and exposure to reach more customers. That is what Rising Stars is here to do; help talented bakers in the Eastern Cape turn their work into stronger, more sustainable businesses,” said Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier FMCG.

Volenti Robson, representing the Border Kei Chamber of Business, said, “I am incredibly proud to see the talent coming from across the Eastern Cape. I encourage all our Top 10 finalists to continue their entrepreneurial journey. The sky is the limit, and you are paving the way for our economy and creating opportunities for employment.”

The winning baker is expected to showcase their products at a Hemingways Mall from 29 October to 1 November 2026.

For more information about Snowflake Rising Stars, visit www.snowflake.co.za/competitions.

MEDIA CONTACT

Carlin Apollos
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ABOUT SNOWFLAKE

Snowflake, a Premier brand, offers a trusted range of high-quality baking and cooking products. The brand aims to empower bakers and cooks to create simply irresistible food for every occasion, supported by consistent quality they can rely on. Through initiatives such as the Snowflake Rising Stars competition, Snowflake helps nurture emerging talent and gives aspiring baking entrepreneurs opportunities to turn their passion into sustainable businesses. Premier is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates by investing in local talent, entrepreneurship, growth and innovation. For more information, visit www.snowflake.co.za/competitions.