Delmari Janse van Rensburg of New Zealand has been named the 2025 LA Judge Award baking apprentice of the year after three days of spirited competition.
The winner was revealed at the LA Judge Award Gala Dinner in Sydney on Thursday 15 May 2025, hosted by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and Woolworths.
The LA Judge Award has tested young bakers across Australia and New Zealand since 1967, and this year's competitors once again combined a challenging gauntlet of practical baking, theory and presentation skills.
Thanks to major sponsor and prize sponsor Puratos, Delmari will soon jet off to Belgium for an intensive week of training in Brussels, including visits to their Innovation Center, Sourdough Institute, the world-famous Sourdough Library and Maison de Levain, as well as tours of Brussels' best bakeries/patisseries and the Chocolate Story museum. All accommodation, food and transport is included.
Second place was Jacob Maddock of New South Wales, who receives $1,500 in cash as well as two days of training with Puratos in Sydney, including accommodation, food and transport.
The other four competitors will also receive this training thanks to Puratos.
The LA Judge Award is hosted by AEGIC at its Sydney Pilot Bakery.
Retiring LA Judge Award Director Dr Ken Quail applauded every competitor for the commitment and creativity they brought to the bakery floor.
"The way they tackle this demanding competition and still support one another is inspiring," Dr Quail said.
"Each finalist leaves with sharper skills, improved confidence and industry connections that will help them as they move forward in their careers. They should all be proud."
Competition organiser and AEGIC baking scientist Sabrina Lim said the LA Judge Award was a rare chance for young bakers to be exposed to new skills, knowledge and ingredients.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for the competitors to be mentored by highly experienced industry judges," she said.
"The knowledge transfer between the judges and competitors and vice versa as they work closely over the three days is invaluable."
The 2025 judges were Michael Prowse of Allied Pinnacle, Cary Burnett from the William Angliss Institute, and Lindsay Weber of Homestyle and Gold Coast Bakeries. Lindsay is also a former LA Judge Award winner.
The 2025 event was a special one as the industry farewelled long-time LA Judge Award Director Dr Ken Quail, who has retired after dedicating 34 years to AEGIC's Sydney operations (formerly BRI Australia).
Since its inception, the LA Judge Award has helped emerging bakers sharpen their craft while strengthening links between the baking and grain industries.
AEGIC is proud to present the contest in collaboration with its generous sponsors.
2025 competitors
- Jacob Maddock - Brown Sugar Bakery, Forresters Beach, NSW
- Delmari Janse van Rensburg - New World Rolleston, NZ
- Patrick French - Elizabeth Town Café Bakery, TAS
- Tobey Cooper - Lawnton Country Markets Bakery, QLD
- Caleb Braszell - Blanc Bakery, Berwick, VIC
- Patcharapha Pitjawong - Coles Belmont, WA
2025 sponsors
- Major sponsor & prize sponsor: Puratos
- Dinner sponsor: Woolworths
- Allied Pinnacle
- Australian Bakels
- Bakers Delight
- Manildra
- Mauri
- NBIA
- Queen
- Azelis
