So enormous it barely fits on the table: A croissant smashes records at the International Confectionery Fair in Cologne, showcasing the incredible feats of the modern bakery trade.
Anyone expecting croissants to be petite and delicate got a jaw-dropping surprise at the world’s largest trade fair for confectionery and snacks ISM in Cologne in February. at the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair in Cologne in early February. Kuchenmeister Bakery unveiled a giant croissant that not only wowed visitors but also set a new world record.
Measuring an impressive 85 centimeters and weighing 3.5 kilograms, the croissant shattered the previous record of 61 centimeters. An official judge representing the Record Institute for Germany (RIG) confirmed the measurement on-site and presented the certificate confirming the new world record. Before the ceremony, the colossal pastry was displayed behind a case, drawing crowds of intrigued fairgoers.
Crafting a croissant of this size posed major technical challenges, with several failed attempts before the team finally perfected it: protein-enriched flour, 55 carefully layered folds, and a longer baking time at a lower temperature all combined to produce golden-brown and perfectly flaky result.
Back in January 2025, Record Institute for Germany (RIG) record judge Olaf Kuchenbecker visited Kuchenmeister’s headquarters in Soest to inspect the production of the XXL croissant in advance. During a test run, the entire process—from mixing the dough to the finished giant pastry—was carried out live to ensure every step met official standards.
Once officially certified, the colossal croissant was displayed at the specially created Croissant Corner at the trade fair stand—and was gone within an hour and a half, eagerly snapped up by visitors.
