Voting is now open for the Machine of the Year category at the International Bakery Awards 2026, giving readers the opportunity to recognise outstanding bakery machinery demonstrating innovation, efficiency and technical excellence.
The award celebrates the engineering expertise behind modern bakery production, recognising manufacturers developing advanced technologies that improve productivity, precision, consistency and operational performance across the global bakery industry.
Recognising Bakery Machinery Innovation
This year’s shortlist brings together four finalists representing different areas of bakery machinery innovation, from precision dough dividing and high-speed bun production to advanced cooling systems and flexible depositing technologies.
The finalists for Machine of the Year 2026 are:
DirectDrive™ Spirals – Developed by Intralox, this innovative spiral conveying system improves bakery freezing and cooling through positive belt engagement, eliminating the reliance on friction-driven overdrive. Designed to reduce product movement, belt slippage and unplanned downtime, the technology helps manufacturers maintain product positioning, improve operational efficiency and maximise production capacity.
Industrie Rex Evo EC – Developed by König, this next-generation dough dividing and rounding machine combines precision engineering with high production capacity. Capable of processing up to 24,000 dough pieces per hour, the system accommodates weights between 28 and 280g while incorporating advanced pressure controls, interchangeable components and an Easy Clean Design to improve flexibility and hygiene.
Accupan Bun Make-Up System – Developed by AMF Bakery Systems, this high-speed production solution integrates dough dividing, conditioning, rounding and panning technologies. Capable of producing up to 72,000 buns or rolls per hour, the system combines precision servo-driven automation with simplified maintenance, offering manufacturers improved product consistency, operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
SoftDrop – Developed by Bühler, this versatile soft-mass depositor supports the production of cakes, biscuits, muffins and filled bakery products. Featuring precision depositing, wire-cutting and extrusion capabilities, the machine offers flexible product configurations, accurate portioning and faster changeovers, helping manufacturers diversify their portfolios while maintaining consistent quality and efficient production.
Together, the finalists highlight the diversity of machinery development across the bakery industry and the different approaches manufacturers are taking to improve production efficiency, automation, product quality and operational flexibility.
Joseph Clarke, Senior Editor of International Bakery, said: “The quality and diversity of nominations we have received this year highlight the creativity, innovation and expertise driving the global bakery industry forward. From exciting new products and innovative ingredients to advanced manufacturing technologies and inspirational industry leaders, there are some exceptional achievements to recognise.
“Now it is over to our readers to decide who deserves to win from our finalists. These awards provide an opportunity for the industry to celebrate the products, solutions and individuals making a genuine contribution to the future of baking, and I would encourage everyone across the sector to get involved and cast their votes.”
Cast Your Vote Today
Voting for Machine of the Year is now open here.
Readers can explore the four shortlisted machines before selecting the innovation they believe deserves this year’s award.
Voting closes on 9 November 2026.
The winner of Machine of the Year will be revealed during the International Bakery Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday, 26 November, broadcast via LinkedIn Live.
