Woolworths has celebrated its 10th annual Baker of the Year competition, crowning two new baker champions.
Woolworths Bakery Merchandise Manager Donald Keith says it’s a real highlight each year to celebrate the passion and talent of the retailer’s dedicated bakers.
“The standard is always incredibly high, and this competition is all about the things we love most about Woolworths, the people and the high-quality products that we deliver to our customers each and every day,” he says.
Thomas Parker from Woolworths Indooroopilly, Queensland, won the 2025 Baker of the Year, impressing judges with his “perfect” traditional hot cross buns.
Judges praised Mr Parker for his winning hot cross bun, giving him top marks for taste, texture and fruit to dough ratio.
“It capped off a busy few weeks, first helping my dad keep his house safe during the recent floods and then my wife gave birth to our fourth child – a beautiful baby boy,” says Mr Parker.
“I can’t believe I won; I had to keep on double checking the trophy to make sure it was really me. I began baking at 17, as I was inspired by my uncle who was a baker and so I just wanted to be like him.”
For the first time, to mark a decade of the awards, Woolworths introduced the inaugural All-Star Baker of the year won by Nicol Strang from Forest Lakes, Western Australia. Mr Strang adds this year’s trophy to his collection having won Baker of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
The All-Star competition saw a total of five past winners, four from Australia and one from New Zealand, create their own unique baked goods. Mr Strang’s winning savory wreath featured brie, sundried tomato, spinach, and feta.
Mr Strang says the All Star competition was a new challenge.
“It’s been a great honour to go up against such great talent and it’s something many of us are always excited to participate in,” he says.
“I’ve been baking for over 40 years and I’m really proud that I have the opportunity to mentor new bakers coming into the trade.”