Baker Perkins founders in Hall of Fame

Joseph Baker and Jacob Perkins, founders of the companies that eventually became Baker Perkins, have been inducted into the ‘Baking Hall of Fame’ of the American Society of Baking. The Society considers them responsible for developing a broader range of bakery technologies than any other bakery equipment manufacturer. Joseph Baker and Jacob Perkins were inducted at a special ceremony at BakingTech 2016 in Chicago, the ASB’s annual technology conference and exposition. In the 1860s, Joseph Baker invented a simple flour sifter that revolutionized home baking. About the same time, Jacob Perkins pioneered in steam technologies, setting up a company in England to build steam ovens for commercial bakeries. The companies founded by these 19th century engineers collaborated in building baking equipment during World War I and Baker Perkins was formed shortly after the war. The ASB Citation says, “Today, Baker Perkins equipment can be found in hundreds, if not thousands, of bakeries from Australia to Zimbabwe. They lived by their motto: “We aren’t satisfied thinking our equipment or methods are the best they can be.” And thus, they pushed bakery technology forward into today’s world and tomorrow’s.” The Baking Hall of Fame is an initiative to recognize industry innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and new names are added each year. Many of the individuals selected for the hall are recognized for their achievements in organizational growth and development, equipment design and innovation, advancements in ingredient technology and processing or related service to the commercial baking industry. The American Society of Baking is a professional organization comprising commercial baking professionals, food technologists, engineering, equipment and ingredient experts dedicated to advancing baking and baking science technology. The Baking Hall of Fame is located at the American Institute of Baking in Manhattan, Kansas and open to the public. Picture shows Baker Perkins managing director John Cowx (left) at the ceremony. On the right is John Del Campo., Chairman of the ASB Baking Hall of Fame Evaluation Committee, who select the Inductees each year.

For more information on Baker Perkins founders in Hall of Fame talk to Baker Perkins Ltd