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Bread Baker of the Year

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The Competition is run annually by the New Zealand Association of Bakers.

 

Bread Baker of the Year

2026 Bread Baker of the Year Competition.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Bread Baker of the Year Competitions. Entries close 11 September 2026.

The Bread Baker of the Year competition is run annually by the New Zealand Association of Bakers and is open to bakers in New Zealand that have completed their qualification within the past 2 years. Participants are tested on their practical bread baking skills as well as completing a written exam, and a researched presentation. The judges’ panel is made up of people from within the baking industry.

Along with gaining the Bread Baker of the Year, and/or Young Bread Baker of the Year, winners will be presented with a research grant up to the value of $15,000 for research such as overseas travel to look at new technology, ingredients, process or trends in products.

The winner may also be asked to represent New Zealand at the LA Judge Award competition.

To read more about 2026 Bread Baker of the Year Competition and download the entry form click here

Click here to read more about the the winners of the 2025 Bread Baker of the Year Competition

 

Bread Baker of the Year

Meet the Entrants for 2025

Introducing the entrants in the 2025 Bread Baker of the Year Competition. We wish them all the best for the Competition which runs from 19th to 20th November in Auckland.

Follow all the news from the Bread Baker of the Year Competition on our Facebook page.

Bread Baker of the Year 2025 Entrants
Competitions

LA Judge Award

“Supporting Skills Development in the Australasian Baking Industry”

Since 1967, Australasia’s most prestigious annual baking prize has recognised the best young baking apprentice in Australia and New Zealand. Each year, apprentice bakers compete for the honour of the LA Judge title. The Award recognises their baking ability and industry knowledge to identify future industry leaders.

The LA Judge Award is a three-day event that will next take place May 2025. Bakers who are just about to complete, or have just completed, their apprenticeship compete to win the prestigious award. Candidates are tested on practical baking skills, technical knowledge and presentation and communication skills.

For more information, visit the LA Judge Award official website

Bread Baker of the Year

Honours List

Bread Baker of the Year competition began in 2007 is an award competition run annually by the NZ Association of Bakers (NZAB) for the best newly or nearly qualified bread baker in New Zealand. By clicking the link below you can read the Honours Board and learn more about past winners and also read what they are up to now.

Honours Board
Bread Baker of the Year

An update on past winners

We catch up with previous winners of the Young Bread Baker of the Year Award and find out how their win impacted their career choices. We also find out what they have been up to since taking part in the competition.

Previous Winners