Research commissioned by Cake Bake & Sweets Show has revealed that as much as their visitors love a sweet treat, cooking is where their hearts truly lie. 

Although the show’s visitors were found to be incredibly keen bakers, survey results also showed that Cake Bake visitors are also seriously into their food and cooking, and cook almost every day with approximately 40 per cent spending over $1,000 per year on kitchen appliances and equipment.

Results showed that 31 per cent of Cake, Bake & Sweets attendees cook at home seven nights per week, and almost 60 per cent of these cooks believe that the food they make is often better than when they eat out. And while 92 per cent say they love to bake, 69 per cent get as much pleasure from cooking, saying they enjoy eating out but that more pleasure is gained from cooking and eating at home.

Event director James Laing says, “These findings demonstrate that the Cake, Bake, and Sweets visitor may love the sweetness of the event, but at the heart of things they are a true cook. In response, we have broadened the scope of this year’s event to more accurately reflect what it is that our visitors are truly passionate about—and that’s cooking, whether sweet or savoury.”

A new feature area, For the Love of Cooking, is a direct response to the findings, and will debut at the 2018 event. The new zone will offer visitors the chance to find exciting products and learn new skills that will allow them to take their passion for cooking and baking to the next level. The Healthy Living zone will also allow those with a keen interest in cooking the chance to explore the healthier side of baking and desserts. The dedicated theatre will have a focus on raw, free-from, and fresh, proving that when it comes to baking and desserts, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Cake Bake & Sweets Show is in Sydney from 23 – 25 November and Melbourne from 30 November – 2 December.