LA Judge Award: Half a century strong

Between May 16-18, young apprentice bakers will go head-to-head over three days of rigorous competition at AEGIC’s North Ryde Pilot Bakery, which is part of what was formerly known as the Bread Research Institute of Australia.

The competition will culminate in a special 50th anniversary retrospective gala dinner on May 18, overlooking Darling Harbour, attended by 200 baking industry stakeholders from across Australia.

Established in 1967, the award is Australasia’s most prominent and prestigious annual baking prize.

Each year, one candidate from each Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand, is nominated to compete through their state baking association. The rules state that candidates must be 23 years of age or younger as of January 1 in the year of competition, and must not have completed their formal studies more than 12 months before the year of competition. As of press time, the candidates for the 50th anniversary LA Judge Award were being finalised.

The competitors are put through their paces in all aspects of baking, including practical baking exercises, technical knowledge, food safety and communication skills.

The marking criteria for the practical exercise will be based on categories such as hygiene and work method, dough development, dividing, moulding and panning, proofing and baking and loaf scoring.

The technical aspect will involve contestants completing eight theory papers, which make up 30 per cent of the total score.

AEGIC general manager research and technical services Dr Ken Quail said the LA Judge Award was a friendly yet intense competition.

“The three days can be stressful and demanding, but competitors are encouraged to support each other and more often than not form friendships with each other,” he said.

“Truly, every candidate is a winner just by making it to the competition.”

Dr Quail said the LA Judge Award promised to be a fitting celebration of
50 years of history.

“This milestone is truly an incredible achievement and one which we are very proud of,” he said.

“The LA Judge Award has promoted excellence in young bakers to identify future industry leaders for half a century.

“I warmly encourage anyone involved in the Australasian baking industry to attend the gala dinner and award evening, which is a fantastic opportunity for the whole Australasian baking industry to come together and celebrate the wonderful young men and women who are the industry’s future.

The 50^th LA Judge Award coincides with the Australian Society of Baking’s mid-year conference and industry tour. ASB members receive a $20 discount on LA Judge Award tickets.