For the second year running Team Australia has claimed the ANZBake trophy.

The competition saw Team Australia, comprised of Jonny Pisanelli (pastry) and Brendon Woodward (bread) team up with 2024 Excellence in Baking national winners Connor Beisler and William Nickl to take on Team New Zealand.

In a step up from the 2024 competition, the competitors were required to make up to 60 products in some of the categories.

Baking Association of Australia executive director Tony Smith said prior to the 2025 ANZBake competition each team had four hours of preparation and weigh up time. Then, on July 17, Connor and Brendon knuckled down and made:

• Traditional baguette
• Rye bread
• Sourdough loaf – innovative (competitor’s choice)
• Pretzels.

Connor then had to go solo to make Mulitgrain tinned bread.

On the pastry front, the Jonny and William made:

• Laminated yest goods
• Puff pastry
• Layered cake slice – petit fours

William then made lemon meringue petit fours solo.

The ANZBake competition was the culmination of three huge days at the Baking Industry Trade Show, which sees bakers and pastry chefs from around the country gather to compete for the title of Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie, as well as the national round of the Excellence in Baking competition.

Hosted every year by the Baking Association of Australia (BAA), the event is considered a highlight of the baking industry’s calendar.