In a tight competition, Queensland baker Chloe Murray has won the LA Judge Award for Baking Apprentice of the Year.
Chloe, from Woolworths in Kirkwood, emerged victorious after a tough two-day competition at the AEGIC Sydney Pilot Bakery.
Chloe was officially crowned the winner at a gala ceremony in Sydney last night, presented by AEGIC and Woolworths. Close behind was Tasmania's Luke Williams, who was named runner-up.
As part of her prize, Chloe will receive a one week all-expenses-paid trip to Belgium to visit the headquarters of baking and ingredients company Puratos. Chloe will take part in training and bakery demonstrations, as well as tour Puratos' famous sourdough library and visit the Puratos Innovation Centre and Becolade Chocolate Centre, among other facilities.
As runner-up, Luke wins $1000 cash, plus a two-day training session with Puratos in Sydney.
The other candidates, Isabelle Trees (WA) and Joshua Chapman (Qld) will also receive training from Puratos.
LA Judge Award Director Dr Ken Quail said the 2022 candidates were all very talented young bakers.
"With a smaller field this year there was tight competition for first and second place," Dr Quail said.
"This pushed the candidates to absolutely give it their best.
"Chloe Murray performed well across all aspects of the competition. Her practical, theory and presentation skills were all outstanding.
"Runner-up Luke Williams and all the candidates absolutely deserved to be there and are a credit to their employers and trainers. Competing in the LA Judge Award is a big achievement in and of itself."
Dr Quail said the LA Judge Award relied on the support of industry sponsors. "Once again the industry showed very strong support for the LA Judge Award and it is very much appreciated," he said.
The LA Judge Award is organised and hosted by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).
The LA Judge Award has been running since 1967 and is open to young apprentice bakers who are keen to make their mark on the baking industry. The competition takes place over three days and includes all aspects of baking, including practical baking skills, technical knowledge and presentation abilities.
Dr Quail thanked the judges of the 2022 LA Judge Award:
- Corey King, Australian Bakels,
- Morgan Clementson, Puratos Australia and New Zealand
- Jason Swift, (AEGIC)
Above: Chloe Murray
