October was a busy month for Tasmanian bakers, with the Baking Association of Australia hosting a series of competitions and shows that focused on the state’s burgeoning food scene.

More than 300 products were judged at the Tasmanian Baking Show on October 17, with the awards presented at a dinner ceremony at the Country Club, Launceston, the following evening.

The Ian Freeburgh Trophy was won by Nathan Madden from JJ’s Bakery and Old Mill Café in Longford, while the David Cripps Memorial Trophy for Champion Loaf of the Show was presented to Nathan Taylor from Baker’s Delight, Mowbray.

Baking Association of Australia (BAA) Tasmania Council president Scott Donaghy said the show is a popular part of the industry’s social calendar and pays tribute to the state’s most skilled and dedicated bakers.

“There have been some tough times of late for Tasmanian baking businesses, but it was great to see bakers and their families get together, enjoy themselves and focus on the things that make this industry so wonderful,” he said.

BAA executive officer Tony Smith said it was fitting to see the crown returned to JJ’s Bakery and Old Mill Café – one of Tasmania’s most well-known food establishments.

“Nathan and his team put in a massive effort this year and they have reaped the rewards,” he said.

“JJ’s won many of the categories in the bread section and the cake/pastry section, being crowned Most Successful Bread Exhibitor and Most Successful Cake Exhibitor. We didn’t expect the one bakery would win both categories!”

As part of the winner’s package, the BAA, on behalf of the Tasmanian Baking Show’s sponsors, held an official civic presentation on site at JJ’s Bakery and Old Mill Café in November.

“There was also the chance for customers to win a range of great prizes by visiting the bakery, including movie passes and tickets to the Australian Open,” Tony said.

“The support of the community was just amazing. The shop was full of people wishing Nathan and the team well for their effort. Longford Mayor Kim Polley was also there and it was a very proud moment for everyone in Longford.”

For the first time, the BAA Tasmanian Council also hosted a school baking competition in October at the Country Club. Council members Scott Donaghy, Murray Partridge and Benoit March involved a group of aspiring young bakers in six classes and also handed out prizes and certificates to standout performers.

The BAA’s national apprentice competition for 2013 also had its last port of call in Hobart on October 8 and 9. The state winner of the 2013 Apprentice Baker competition was Matthew Dalton from Baker’s Delight, Claremont, while Sturt Burr (pictured on page 70) from Cottage Bakery, Scottsdale, took out the 2013 Apprentice Pastry Cook award.