A love for baking from an early age has seen Nathen Jones move from apprenticeship to being named 2026 Woolworths Baker of the Year.  

Can you tell us about yourself?

I was raised in a single‑parent household, and the key male role models in my life were my pop (Barry), my uncle (Danny), and my stepdad (Paul). I have always looked up to them, and their influence continues to guide me. Every day, I strive to make them proud through the way I work and the person I am becoming.

My nana played a significant role in my life. She surrounded me with unconditional love and constant care, and her encouragement helped shape the person I am today. My mum also did everything she could to give me the best opportunities, and I wouldn’t be in my position as a baker if she hadn’t found my apprenticeship 15 years ago. Their support and belief in me deserve my deepest appreciation.

I am someone who wears my pride openly—what you see is exactly who I am. An important influence in my life has been my mentor, Tommy Greenwood, who taught me lessons that continue to guide me both personally and professionally. Another defining part of my life is my partner of four years. She has brought me genuine happiness, freedom, and the confidence to follow my heart. Without her support, I would not be the man I am today.

When did you discover your love for baking?

From a young age, I loved creating and inventing things, often sketching out my ideas. By the time I was around 10 to 12 years old, I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to become a chef. Everyone around me knew I was the kid who never changed his mind—I was determined.

The devastating loss of my stepdad, Paul, turned my world upside down, but even through that grief, I held tightly to my dream. At 16, I left school and moved into the food industry, working full‑time as a kitchen hand in fast food. Eventually, an apprenticeship opportunity in baking opened up, and I seized it immediately.

My first boss was incredible, and from day one I pushed myself to be the best. What carried me through the toughest moments was the pride my great‑grandma and my aunt expressed in me. My pride has always been tied to my family. Even though my great‑grandma has passed, I carry her words with me. For those who are still here and those who are not, I continue to work hard to make them proud

You recently were named as the 2026 Woolworths Baker of the Year. How was the competition experience? What did you have to do?

As a state finalist, I travelled to Sydney to compete against some of the best bakers in Australia. We were required to produce 60 fruit hot cross buns and 60 chocolate hot cross buns, then select the best two six‑packs—one from each flavour—for judging. The process demanded precision: using unfamiliar mixers, tempering the water correctly for the dough, and piping perfectly straight crosses.

But the technical requirements were only part of it. The pressure, the nerves, and the atmosphere of competing alongside the country’s top bakers made the experience incredibly intense. Every competitor wanted the same outcome, and that level of determination elevated the challenge to a whole new level.

How was the preparation for the competition?

I practised every single day and never allowed myself to stop improving. I judged my work with a critical eye, checking every detail—weight, colour, flavour, fruit distribution, and the straightness of each cross and tray. Nothing was overlooked. I continued practising right up until the day of the competition, and by then all I could do was rely on the standard I had built through consistent, disciplined preparation.

What’s your personal favourite product to bake? Why?

Puff pastry is one of my favourite products to make—it’s both enjoyable and rewarding to prepare and bake. From the bread range, nothing compares to a well‑crafted sourdough loaf. The crust, the flavour, and the aroma all come together to create something truly exceptional. In fact, that appreciation extends across the entire artisan bread range; each product has its own unique character and craftsmanship that I deeply enjoy.

What does the rest of 2026 hold for you? And the next few years?

I’m not entirely sure what the next few years will hold, but in June I will complete my Certificate IV in Patisserie and finally achieve my long‑held dream of becoming a chef. I’ll be both a qualified baker and a chef, and with that, a wide range of new opportunities has opened up for me.

One thing I do know is that I will be dedicating more time to my partner Sharon. Her support, patience, and love throughout my long journey—especially as I worked toward becoming a chef and earning the title of Woolworths Baker of the Year 2026—have meant everything to me. I’m excited for what comes next, and grateful for the people who helped me reach this point