The Baking association of australia (Baa) hosted its first Western australia Baking Show in april, as part of the state’s Fine Foods exhibition.

The excellence in Baking Competition for apprentices was also kicked-off, with Baa executive officer tony Smith saying the response from the industry was overwhelmingly positive.

“Baa membership is growing in Wa and the industry is becoming stronger and stronger,” tony said

“Industry representatives and bakery owners said they were very happy with the support for the industry in Wa.”

Throughout the event, visitors enjoyed master cake decorating classes led by Ron taylor, demonstrations by artisan Bakers and discussions with denmark Bakery – winners of last year’s australia’s Best Pie Competition.

Held on the last day of the event, the bake-off saw more than 20 bakeries entering quality products throughout several classes, with Bakers delight taking home the Perth Perpetual trophy Class 24.

The five-hour competition saw apprentice bakers and pastry cooks produce and present several products on a buffet-style table.

Chris Kirkpatrick from Miami Bake house was awarded first place in the apprentice Bakers Section and went on to represent the state in the La Judge competition.

Tommy Nguyen from Oven Crisp Bakery took out top gong in the apprentice Pasty Cooks Section. State winners took home $250 each, with the national winner receiving $1500.

“We are very grateful to the Brian Wilkinson and the Polytechnic West for supplying the facilities and to eOI who are the major sponsors in this national event,” tony said.

BAA national operations manager Lex Brown said the excellence in Baking Competition was initiated after many Wa-based bakers said they could not afford to travel to bake-off competitions in other states.

“The BAA worked with industry as the national body to ensure competition is still available to everyone in our industry, in every state and territory of australia,” Lex said.

The full list of results from the Wa Baking Show 2013 can be found at www.baa.asn.au/Wa/.