The competitors have been announced for the 2025 LA Judge Award.

The competition, which was formed in 1967 by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC), aims to celebrate the excellence and skills of the young bakers. During the three-day competition the apprentices are put to the test in all aspects of baking, from hands-on baking proficiency and technical acumen to the their presentation skills.

The 2025 competitors will include:

• Jacob Maddock (NSW)
• Delmari Janse (NZ)
• Tobey Cooper (Qld)
• Patrick French (Tasmania)
• Patcharapha Pitjawong (WA)
• Caleb Braszell (Victoria)

Judging the competition will be Michael Prowse from Allied Pinnacle and Lindsay Weber. Lindsay has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for both the Australian Society of Baking and the LA Judge,

2024 LA Judge winner Imogen Fearon said the competition had been mind-blowing for her.

“[Preparation] was hard, that’s for sure. I spent months preparing for this competition. Every one of my weekends were spent in my training facility’s kitchen practicing moulding and shaping bread. Many early mornings were spent cramming in study and countless designs were drawn for my plaque,” she said.

“I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”

The 2025 event will be held from May 13-15 and will conclude with a gala dinner and awards ceremony that will be held on May 15