Candidates in the LA Judge 2024 competition Connor Beisler, Ryan Wu, Dylan Price, Imogen Fearon and Dylan Giannetti. Photo: AEGIC

QUEENSLAND baker Imogen Fearon has won Australasia’s most prestigious baking competition, the LA Judge Award for baking apprentice of the year.

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre and Woolworths  presented Ms Fearon, from Chouquette Patisserie in the Brisbane suburb of New Farm, with her award after three days of intense competition between the five entrants at the AEGIC Sydney Pilot Bakery this week.

Courtesy of baking and ingredients company Puratos, Ms Fearon will enjoy an all-expenses-paid journey to Belgium.

Over a week, she will train with Puratos in bread and patisserie baking, and explore the Centre for Bread Flavour, the Sourdough Library and more.

The LA Judge 2024 runner-up went to Connor Beisler from Dungog Barrington Bakery in the Hunter region of New South Wales, who will receive $1500 cash, plus two days’ training with Puratos in Sydney.

Other contestants were Ryan Wu from Eat Cannoli at Preston in Melbourne, Victoria, Dylan Price from Banjos in Launceston, Tasmania, and Dylan Gianetti from Coles Southern River in Perth, Western Australia.

“All the competitors are winners simply by participating in what is a friendly but very challenging competition,” LA Judge Award director Ken Quail said.

“All the 2024 competitors did themselves, their trainers and their bakeries proud.

“Congratulations to Imogen, who was outstanding across the various aspects of competition.

“Imogen’s excellent skills and attention to detail gave her the edge over her fellow competitors.”

LA Judge Imogen Fearon in action in the AEGIC Sydney Pilot Bakery this week. Photo: AEGIC

The LA Judge Award is organised and hosted by AEGIC to support the Australian industry and identify future industry leaders.

Since 1967, the LA Judge Award has welcomed young apprentice bakers from Australia and New Zealand aspiring to make their mark on the industry.

The contest encompasses all aspects of baking, from hands-on baking proficiency and technical acumen to presentation skills.

“The LA Judge Award is often a life-changing experience for young bakers to develop their skills and make important connections in the baking industry,” Dr Quail said.

Sponsors of the 2024 event were: Puratos, Woolworths; Allied Pinnacle; Australian Bakels; Bakers Delight; Lesaffre Australia Pacific; The Manilda Group; MAURI; National Baking Industry Association, ADM, and Azelis.

Source: AEGIC