November 18 and 19, 2024, saw some of Tasmania’s best apprentices gather at TASTAFE Devonport for the Excellence in Baking state round.

The bread component of the competition was held on the Monday, with the pastry portion following the next day.

Baking Association of Australia executive officer Tony Smith said the Tasmanian round include new criteria that was designed to keep everyone on their toes.

“Everyone was able to finish in the set amount of time,” he said.

“Congratulations to Sophie Weeding from Brighton’s Best Bakehouse, who won the pastry section. Patrick French from Elizabeth Town Bakery Cafe won the bread-baking section.

“Both will now compete and represent Tasmania at the Grand Finals in Sydney in July at The Baking Industry Trade Show.”

The next round of the Excellence in Baking competition will take place in South Australia on November 25. The competition will then take a break until the new year, when the NSW state round will take place on January 30.