ORLANDO, FL — Sarah Tsocanos, manager of bakery for The Campbell’s Co., was awarded the American Society of Baking (ASB)’s Rising Baker Award during BakingTECH 2025, the association’s annual conference, held February 17-19 in Orlando, FL.
The Rising Baker program recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to their career in wholesale baking, attained outstanding achievement and contributed significantly to the profession.
“It was especially Sarah’s commitment to the baking community that inspired the recognition,” said Peter Rasmussen, industry segment business driver for Festo USA. “Through her leadership roles in ASB — including service on the Board of Directors and the Finance committee, even during the COVID-19 pandemic — she remained an influential voice. With her dynamic leadership and dedication to creativity and quality, Sarah deserves recognition as a rising baker. Her passion for the baking community positions her as a leader, and she is poised to shape the industry’s future and inspire the next generation.”
Since graduating with a bakery science degree from Kansas State University (K-State) in 2014, Tsocanos has worked in R&D for The Campbell’s Co. She and her team lead and execute new product development, cost savings initiatives and business continuity projects. Tsocanos also provides support to multiple manufacturing facilities across the country.
“My time at K-State built the foundation for my professional success, including the opportunity to be a member of ASB and participate in BakingTECH,” Tsocanos said. “My passion for people and giving back to the industry remained strong and steady as I transitioned into the workforce, and I’m so proud to be a dedicated volunteer leader for ASB.”
She has served as ASB’s secretary/treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee since 2023. In 2024, Tsocanos was recognized as an Industry Innovator by Commercial Baking.
Ryan Will, technical sales manager at AB Mauri North America, presented the award on Rasmussen’s behalf during the Future Forward Luncheon.
“I’m deeply humbled to receive this award today, but if it’s possible, I’m even more humbled to know that there’s much more rising left to do in my career,” she said. “I’m thrilled to keep learning with my peers as we all grow into the next generation of mentors and leaders for our treasured industry.”
Tsocanos is the fourth Rising Baker Award recipient, following James Happ and John Hinds who received the inaugural award in 2023 and Catherin Herrera who earned the honor in 2024.
