Ibaraki Sweet Fair 2026 to be Held at Ibaraki Prefectural Office from May 22 (Fri) to 24 (Sun)!

Last year, held as the 10th anniversary, the event welcomed 24,000 visitors. The "Ibaraki Sweet Fair 2026," showcasing the appeal of Ibaraki's food and sweets, will be held for three days from May 22 (Fri) to 24 (Sun), 2026, at the Ibaraki Prefectural Office. Marking its 11th edition, this year's event will embark on a new start under a new management system as a "platform connecting the value of Ibaraki's food to the future." While cherishing its past achievements, it aims to be more than just a sales event, striving for a positive cycle that delights local residents and benefits all involved parties, including exhibitors, producers, and regional businesses. The venue is expected to host popular patisseries, Japanese and Western confectionery stores, and bakeries from within the prefecture. A diverse range of initiatives will be unfolded, including exclusive sweet sales utilizing Ibaraki-grown ingredients, regional collaboration projects, and hands-on content. Last year, over 24,000 visitors attended over three days. Moving forward, while strengthening event branding and communication, we aim for further development as an event that contributes to enhancing the brand value of Ibaraki's food. [Event Outline] ■ Name: Ibaraki Sweet Fair 2026 ■ Dates: May 22 (Fri) – 24 (Sun), 2026, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (until 6:00 PM only on the 24th) ■ Venue: Ibaraki Prefectural Office, Administrative Building 2F, Citizens' Hall, and other areas ■ Organizer: Ibaraki Sweet Fair Executive Committee ■ Exhibitors: 52 stores/organizations (planned) [Main Activities] ・Exclusive sweet sales using Ibaraki-grown ingredients ・Special projects by popular sweet shops and regional collaboration projects ・Sweet making experience classes, regional workshops ・Sales of agricultural products, sweet potatoes, local specialties, high school and welfare facility booths, etc. This year's theme: "Sweet Potato" 35 works across 4 categories gather, all centered on Ibaraki-grown sweet potatoes. At the Ibaraki Sweet Fair, with the aim of broadly promoting the charm of Ibaraki-grown ingredients, a "Sweets Contest" has been held annually since 2014, where Japanese and Western confectionery artisans from the prefecture showcase their ingenuity. This time, the contest focused on [Ibaraki-grown sweet potatoes], competing on taste, design, and originality. A total of 35 entries were submitted: 12 in the Western confectionery category, 12 in the baked goods category, 6 in the Japanese confectionery category, and 5 in the bread category. All works were exquisite creations that leveraged the sweetness and flavor of locally produced sweet potatoes. On the day of the fair, all submitted sweets, including the Grand Prix winners, will be available for purchase. These will be precious three days for visitors to actually taste them. Please do not miss this opportunity to experience the new possibilities of Ibaraki-grown sweet potatoes. ●Grand Prix Winning Works (Reference Images) Western Confectionery Category: Mitsuimo ~Clothed in a veil of refined soy sauce and mirin~ (Le Ciel en Ange Mito Wedding Chateau / Mito City) Baked Goods Category: Imo Florentine Tart (Kashikobo NAYA / Ushiku City) Japanese Confectionery Category: Kansho no Hana (Wagashikobo Kikuya / Bando City) Bread Category: Maple Pecan and Sweet Potato Quick Bread (Maria Vert / Mito City) *Contest entries, including Grand Prix products, will be sold on the day. [Official Website / Media Materials] https://sweets-eat.com/media/ [Official HP, etc.] URL: https://sweets-eat.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibaraki.sweets.eat/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibaraki.sweets.eat/ X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/ibarakisweat *When visiting for media coverage on the day, please visit the public relations booth located at the information desk in the venue. *We have prepared a small gift for you. Press Release PDF↓ d143179-8-52acf07de3e27940e96b9ee54bf1d907.pdf Ibaraki Sweet Fair Executive Committee The Ibaraki Sweet Fair Executive Committee is an operating organization dedicated to broadly promoting the appeal of Ibaraki-grown ingredients and local sweets culture, aiming to contribute to regional revitalization. In collaboration with confectionery stores, bakeries, producers, regional businesses, and related organizations within the prefecture, it has been planning and operating the "Ibaraki Sweet Fair" since 2014. Through sweet sales utilizing local ingredients, sweets contests, and regional collaboration projects, this fair disseminates the "charm of Ibaraki's food" both within and outside the prefecture. Furthermore, it strives to create an event that is valuable to all involved parties—producers, exhibitors, and visitors—working towards the development of Ibaraki's food culture and regional brand.