With a disciplined and well-practiced performance, the South Australian Bake Skills team scooped the pool at this year’s Bake Skills competition.

Matt Thorpe and Olivia Lutze’s creativity impressed judges at Fine Foods Australia, and led to wins in 16 of the 26 categories, including The Bake Skills Cheesecake Challenge, Best Overall Puff Pastry Performance, the Official Great Aussie Gourmet Pie category, the Callebaut chocolate show piece, and the best bread centerpiece.

The pair was also awarded the Best Theme Display on day four of Fine Foods Australia. After donning their ‘winners’ jackets, the pair thanked team manager Matthew Libke for his tireless efforts, the New South Wales and Victorian teams for the camaraderie, and the Regency Institute for their support.

Team Victoria’s Heather Pristov and John Leontiades were runners up with wins in six categories including the ‘best allergen-free challenge’.

The New South Wales team of Grant Corfield and Jessica Sweeney finished third, with four category wins, including best rye dough, and the most creative best-tasting plated dessert. Grant and Jessica also received the Bake Skills Encouragement Award, in honour of the late Steve Vincent.

Bake Skills Australia thank event partners – Fine Foods, Moffat, Peerless EOI and Callebaut – for making the event possible.