The cake decorating supplies industry is made up of a wide range of products. A diverse product range gives the market a lot of opportunity for growth. This is a guide to selecting the best items to meet the needs of customers interested in cake decorating supplies.
Table of Contents
Why cake decorating products have business potential
The different types of cake decorating supplies
What to look for when selecting cake decorating supplies
Conclusion
Why cake decorating products have business potential
Globally, the cake decorating supplies market was valued at US $1.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% between 2021 and 2028. There is huge potential to do business in this growing market.
The accessibility of online baking recipes has broadened the customer base for cake decorating devices. With the increasing popularity of baking shows, food content on social media, and homemade baking for celebrations or special occasions, the demand for cake decorating products has surged in recent years. Additionally, there has been a rise in specialty cake shops and bakeries, contributing to this growth.
The different types of cake decorating supplies
Piping bags
Cake piping bags are a kitchen tool used for squeezing icing, frosting, and cream onto a cake. They can be used to create patterns, borders, or lettering on the cake.
A piping bag is typically shaped like a cone and made from plastic or reusable silicone. Plastic piping bags are economical and disposable, while silicone icing bags are durable and environmentally friendly. Silicone piping bags also offer better grip and control for intricate cake designs.
Regardless of material, the transparency of an icing bag is important to allow decorators to see the icing color and monitor the amount of ingredients remaining.
Piping nozzles
Cake piping nozzles, also known as decorating tips or icing tips, are small attachments that can be added to the end of a piping bag to determine the shape, size, and texture of the icing dispensed.
Piping tips are commonly made from metal or plastic. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from basic shapes to specialty designs for specific cake decorating techniques. Examples of specialty piping bag tips include nozzles shaped like petals, leaves, stars, or ruffles.
Some icing nozzles feature interchangeable inserts, allowing decorators to create various patterns with a single tip.
Cake molds
Cake molds are used to produce a specific shape or size of cake. A cake pan can also be used to produce a uniform set of cakes, which is necessary for bakeshops or when creating multi-tiered cakes.
Cake tins come in a variety of materials, like metal, silicone, or non-stick-coated steel. Metal cake molds and non-stick steel cake pans offer better heat conduction and durability, while silicone cake molds are flexible and popular for delicate shapes.
The most standard shape for a cake pan is round or square. Other novelty shapes may include hearts, stars, or animals.
Cake stands
A cake stand is a raised platform or pedestal used to hold a cake while decorating it or as a decorative plate to serve the cake on.
While decorating a cake, a rotating cake stand or turntable is ideal, as it allows the decorator to spin the cake while frosting. When it comes to displaying the cake, an aesthetically appealing design becomes key. Cake pedestals can even come with a multi-tiered design or as a combo with a cake stand and dome.
Cake stands are commonly made from porcelain, glass, metal, acrylic, or wood. The look of a cake platter can range from minimalist and modern to ornate and extravagant.
Cake cutters
A cake cutter is a cake decorating utensil that helps create uniform cake slices. There are several different types of cake slicers available on the market.
The most common type of cake cutter is a cake knife. A cake knife can feature either a serrated blade for dense cakes or a straight-edged blade for soft cakes. Cake servers can also be used as knives if they come with a serrated edge on the triangular blade. Lastly, a cake divider is a round tool that can be pressed down on top of the cake to separate it into equally sized slices.
Cake cutters are typically made from stainless steel or plastic. They may even feature non-slip grips on the handle to prevent slippage.
Cake scrapers
A cake scraper is a tool with a firm blade used to smooth the surface of the frosting on a cake. Cake scraper tools often come with a handle on the top for better grip while scraping the cake.
The most common type of cake smoother is a bench scraper, which is a flat, rectangular piece of steel with a handle attached to one edge. A cake spatula is another popular type of icing scraper. Icing spatulas feature a long and straight blade, like an artist’s palette knife.
Frosting scrapers are typically made from materials such as plastic, acrylic, or stainless steel. In addition to material, the thickness of the scraper is another consideration. A thin scraper tool may conform to the contours of the cake for smoother results, while a thick scraper offers more stability and control.
What to look for when selecting cake decorating supplies
Ease of cleaning
Cake decorating supplies that are easy to clean are important. Dishwasher-safe materials and non-stick surfaces that are easy to wipe and sanitize promote hygiene in the kitchen. Silicone and metal are popular materials for this reason. Products with seamless designs and wide openings will also prevent residue buildup.
Quality materials and durability
High-quality materials like stainless steel, silicone, acrylic, or non-toxic plastics ensure cake decorating tools are durable and long-lasting. Supplies should be designed to resist bending, warping, and corrosion. The tool design should also feature reinforced edges, thick materials, and robust finishes to ensure the products are built to withstand frequent use and cleaning.
Aesthetic appeal
While functionality is important, cake decorating equipment with aesthetic appeal is satisfying to use. Stylish cake tools can also double as kitchen décor. In addition to sleek and modern designs, cake supplies with whimsical details and bold colors help inspire creativity in the kitchen. A variety of styles and designs will be key to appealing to different personal tastes.
Conclusion
There are a variety of essential cake decorating supplies that will be important to stock in 2024, including piping bags, piping nozzles, cake molds, cake stands, cake cutters, and cake scrapers. Regardless of product type, the key characteristics of cake tools are ease of cleaning, quality materials and durability, and strong aesthetic appeal.
As consumers seek out products to support their baking needs, there is a demand for innovative products that make cake decorating simple and enjoyable. Businesses have a prime opportunity right now to tap into the market for cake decorating supply products.
