L.A. Judge Award for Baking Apprentice of the Year

19/05/2025

16/05/2025

The LA Judge Award has tested young bakers across Australia and New Zealand since 1967, and this year’s competitors once again faced a challenging gauntlet of practical baking, theory and presentation skills.

Jacob, Delmari, Tobey, Patrick, Caleb, and Patcharapha presented and baked their way through three intensive days of competition in a bid to become the LA Judge baking apprentice of the year.

After a close-fought competition, we are thrilled to announce that Delmari Janse van Rensburg from New Zealand is the 2025 LA Judge baking apprentice of the year.

Thanks to major and prize sponsor Puratos, Delmari will soon jet off to Belgium for an intensive week of training in Brussels, including visits to their Innovation Center, Sourdough Institute, the world-famous Sourdough Library and Maison de Levain, as well as tours of Brussels’ best bakeries/patisseries and the Chocolate Story Museum.

2nd place was Jacob Maddock of New South Wales, who receives $1,500 in cash as well as two days of training with Puratos in Sydney, including accommodation, food and transport. The other four competitors will also receive this training thanks to Puratos.

We look forward to catching up with them again as they enjoy their well-earned prizes.

15/05/2025

Day 2 of the renowned LA Judge competition finished with a dynamic showcase of creativity, focus, and technical excellence. Our remarkable contestants — Jacob, Delmari, Tobey, Patrick, Caleb, and Patcharapha — stepped up with incredible energy and passion, each leaving their unique mark on the competition floor.

As Day 3 commences the atmosphere in the kitchen is again electric with the quiet intensity of young bakers pouring their hearts into the competition. It is a true testament to their dedication and skill.

We’re immensely proud of their achievements so far and can’t wait to see who will be announced the Baking Apprentice of the Year, at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony tonight, where we'll celebrate all contestants' talent, drive and craftsmanship.

14/05/2025

Day 2 at the LA Judge competition: A Showcase of Skill, Passion, and Precision

Day 2 at the prestigious LA Judge competition has been nothing short of a whirlwind of creativity, intensity, and inspiring craftsmanship. Our outstanding contestants — Jacob, Delmari, Tobey, Patrick, Caleb, and Patcharapha — have risen to the challenge with energy and enthusiasm, each bringing their unique flair to the competition floor. The kitchen buzzed with the sound of dough being shaped, ovens humming, and the focused determination of these young bakers pouring their hearts into every loaf.

We couldn’t be prouder of their efforts yesterday and can’t wait to see what today brings as the competition heats up. Stay tuned for more highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and, of course, more mouthwatering creations.

13/05/2025

🍞 Day 1 at the LA Judge competition has been a whirlwind for our fantastic contestants, Jacob, Delmari, Tobey, Patrick, Caleb and Patcharapha. 🥐

🥐From perfect plaits to mouthwatering rolls, they are showcasing their baking skills with flair! 🥖

12/05/2025

Good luck to our six talented bakers, Jacob, Delmari, Tobey, Patrick, Caleb and Patcharapha as they start their three-day LA Judge Baking Apprentice of the Year journey! 🍞 🥖 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1504784543829060/?s=fb_shorts_tab&stack_idx=0

Stay tuned for updates over the next few days. Let's cheer them on as they bake their way to success 🌟

10/05/2025

Behind the scenes of LA Judge with Sabrina Lim

Q. The competition runs over three days, can you give us a quick run-down of what takes place?
A. The three days are intense. Candidates take a number of theory exam papers testing their knowledge on a wide range of topics, whilst also getting an opportunity to showcase their presenting and practical baking skills.

Q. Where does the competition take place?
A. The competition takes place in our Pilot Bakery in Sydney. Our bakery is also used to conduct end product testing for industry, as well as running our training courses, such as the popular Commercial baking: the basics course.

Q. What equipment will the candidates use?
A. The candidates will have an opportunity to work with three different types of mixers, our Vanrooy provers, as well as a number of ingredients generously provided by some of our sponsors.

09/05/2025

With our candidates and judges unveiled, the countdown is on. The competition kicks off Monday, 12 May, and during the three days of competition, the candidates are tested in the areas of practical baking, technical knowledge and communication abilities. Final words of wisdom to our 2025 candidates; Although the competition can be intense at times, enjoy the challenge and most of all have fun!

"The recognition you will get for even trying will open doors for you. 100% recommend." Imogen, 2024 Winner of LA Judge Award

09/05/2025

Final hours to buy your ticket - hurry ticket sales end TODAY!

The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony celebrates the significant achievement of all competitors who qualified for the competition before naming the 2025 LA Judge Australia and New Zealand baking apprentice of the year. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues and honour our great baking industry both past and present.

https://events.humanitix.com/la-judge-gala-dinner.../tickets

When: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 6.30pm until late
Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC), 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW
Cost: $179 per person ($165 per person for a table of 10)
What to expect: Three-course meal, drinks and entertainment.
Dress code: Smart