The 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards, held in Sint Maarten, have delivered a pair of landmark victories for Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary community, with local baker Carlonat Gerald claiming the prestigious title of Best Vegan or Plant-Based Baker. Competing against top talent from across the Caribbean region, Gerald stepped onto the regional stage to represent her twin-island home and walked away with the coveted category award, marking a standout achievement for both herself and Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation in plant-based culinary arts.
Gerald’s win comes shortly after fellow Antiguan and Barbudan culinary professional Gabrielle Thomas was named Pastry Chef of the Year at the same event, pushing the small island nation to at least two major wins at the 2026 awards. This level of success is no fluke: nine bakers, pastry chefs, and culinary entrepreneurs from Antigua and Barbuda earned nominations across multiple award categories this year, highlighting the depth of culinary skill emerging from the country.
Established to celebrate the diverse talent of Caribbean food creators, the Caribbean Baking Awards shine a spotlight on bakers, pastry experts, cake artists, and small business owners working across the region. Beyond recognizing individual excellence, the awards form a core part of a larger regional festival designed to boost Caribbean baking as a cultural asset, drive culinary tourism that draws food lovers to island destinations, and create new opportunities for young people pursuing careers in the culinary industry.