It’s official – Lewis Combes and Jonathan Yates have been crowned the 2025 Excellence in Baking national champions.

The finals were held as part of the Baking Association of Australia’s Baking Industry Trade Show and saw eight finalists from across Australia and New Zealand travel to Sydney to battle it out.

Jonathan Yates from Toodyay Bakery in Western Australia claimed the Baking award, and Lewis Combes from Gumnut Patisserie in New South Wales took home the pastry award. It was the second year in a row that a Gumnut Patisserie apprentice claimed the pastry award, with William Nickl winning in 2024.

The duo were presented with their trophies at the Excellence in Baking Awards night.

Baking Association of Australia executive director Tony Smith said the competition had been a good one.

“They all worked so well. They push themselves hard, which is great, and we do everything we can to assist them along the way.

“The plan is they will now form part of Team Australia for the 2026 ANZBake competition, and will travel to New Zealand to compete.”

The 2025 Excellence in Baking national finalists included:

• Patrick French, Tasmania (Bread)
• Nick Sullivan, Queensland (Bread)
• Jake Taylor, Victoria (Bread)
• William Spratling, New Zealand (Bread)
• Jonathan Yates, Western Australia (Bread)
• Imogen McGill, Victoria (Pastry)
• Lewis Combes, NSW (Pastry)
• Amie Irwin, New Zealand (Pastry)