2026 Best Small Retailer
of the Year Award
(One Store Only)
ABOUT THIS AWARD
The ACADA Australasian Cake Oscar Awards are the most coveted awards within our industry in Australasia. You're invited to nominate a businessl you feel is worthy of receiving this prestigious award.
This is for RETAILERS with ONE STORE or ONLINE retailers only. This award identifies the "hidden gems" and local powerhouses of the sugarcraft world. It is exclusively for retailers with only one physical bricks-and-mortar store. This category honours the specialist who has become an indispensable part of their local decorating community.
We are looking for the small or online business that:
When nominating or voting, look for these "Gold Standard" traits that separate the very best from the rest:
This is for RETAILERS with ONE STORE or ONLINE retailers only. This award identifies the "hidden gems" and local powerhouses of the sugarcraft world. It is exclusively for retailers with only one physical bricks-and-mortar store. This category honours the specialist who has become an indispensable part of their local decorating community.
We are looking for the small or online business that:
- Provides a "Home Away from Home": A store where every customer is known by name and greeted with expert, personalized advice.
- Curates with Passion: A retailer who hand-picks a unique product range that specifically helps their local customers’ skills and businesses grow.
- Champions the Community: A proud community member who actively fosters the cake and cookie decorating spirit in their region.
When nominating or voting, look for these "Gold Standard" traits that separate the very best from the rest:
- Exceptional Product Knowledge: Does the staff know exactly which piping tip or fondant brand will solve your specific decorating disaster? The best small retailers are educators as much as they are sellers.
- The "Sensory" Experience: A stand-out shop isn't just a warehouse; it’s an inviting space with beautiful window displays, an organized layout, and an atmosphere that inspires creativity.
- Local Innovation: Look for shops that host unique in-store workshops, community "client nights," or local collaborations that bring decorators together.
- Reliability and Trust: The winner should be the shop that "goes the extra mile"—whether that’s sourcing a rare item for a last-minute wedding cake or providing consistent, high-quality ingredients you can trust for every bake.
NOMINATION & VOTING RULES
To nominate your nominee must reside or be based permanently within Australia, New Zealand or Papua New Guinea. You are only allowed to submit ONE nomination per award category. Any duplicate nominations will be deleted.
NOMINATION CLOSING DATE
5pm on Sunday 29th March, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NOMINEES & VOTING PROCESS
Nominee Badges will be available to download from the website.
All nominees for this category will be announced publicly via the ACADA website and social media.
Public voting for the four finalists will commence shortly after nominations close. ACADA's team of professional judges will then choose the four finalists based on a combination of public vote and the judges scores. All finalists will be announced publicly on the ACADA website and social media sites.
All nominees for this category will be announced publicly via the ACADA website and social media.
Public voting for the four finalists will commence shortly after nominations close. ACADA's team of professional judges will then choose the four finalists based on a combination of public vote and the judges scores. All finalists will be announced publicly on the ACADA website and social media sites.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNER
The winner will be announced at the ACADA Australasian Cake Oscar Awards Gala Black-Tie Dinner at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) South Brisbane on Saturday 1st August, 2026
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ABN: 92 715 799 209 www.acada.com.au 
Vendor & Sponsorship Enquiries:
ICSA CEO Joan McDermott M: 0412 100 750 E: [email protected] Membership & Insurance Enquiries: ACADA Membership Manager Mary Pisani M: 0407 161 782 E: [email protected] PR & Media Enquiries: Publicist: Kath Rose Kath Rose & Associates M: 0416 291 493 E: [email protected] |