Woolworths Celebrates a Decade of Baking Excellence with Baker of the Year 2025
Woolworths recently marked a major milestone with the 10th annual Baker of the Year competition, an event that showcases the extraordinary skills and craftsmanship of the supermarket chain’s top bakers. This year’s competition featured two highly anticipated bake-offs and resulted in the crowning of two outstanding champions, demonstrating Woolworths’ continued commitment to celebrating and fostering baking talent.
The Champions of 2025
Among the talented finalists, Thomas Parker from Woolworths Indooroopilly, Queensland, emerged as the 2025 Baker of the Year. His winning creation, a batch of perfectly executed traditional hot cross buns, impressed the panel of expert judges. Meanwhile, a new and prestigious title was introduced this year in celebration of the competition’s 10th anniversary—the All-Star Baker of the Year. This inaugural award was claimed by Nicol Strang from Forest Lakes, Western Australia, further solidifying his status as one of Woolworths’ most skilled bakers.
A Triumph for Thomas Parker
Thomas Parker’s road to victory was not just about baking—it was a testament to resilience and dedication. Leading up to the competition, Thomas had a whirlwind of personal events, including helping his father safeguard his home during the recent floods and welcoming his fourth child into the world.
“It’s been an incredibly eventful few weeks,” Thomas shared. “First, my family and I had to focus on protecting my dad’s house from the floods, and then my wife gave birth to our beautiful baby boy. Winning this competition was beyond my expectations, and I kept checking the trophy just to make sure it was real.”
Thomas’ love for baking started at the age of 17, inspired by his uncle, a professional baker. He fondly recalls wanting to follow in his uncle’s footsteps, a dream that has now led him to national recognition. His hot cross buns stood out among the competition due to their impeccable taste, texture, and ideal fruit-to-dough ratio—a balance that is essential in crafting the perfect bun.
Nicol Strang: The Ultimate All-Star Baker
The introduction of the All-Star Baker of the Year category elevated the competition’s prestige, inviting past winners to compete for the ultimate title. Nicol Strang, who previously won Baker of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, proved once again why he is considered one of Woolworths’ finest.
Hailing from Scotland, Nicol began his baking journey at just 15 years old and has since dedicated over four decades to perfecting his craft. He joined Woolworths in 2022, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. His winning dish in the All-Star bake-off was a unique and savory wreath filled with brie, sundried tomato, spinach, and feta—an innovative creation that set him apart from his fellow competitors.
Reflecting on his victory, Nicol expressed his gratitude for the competition and his passion for mentoring young bakers.
“It’s been an honor to compete against such talented individuals,” he said. “The competition is something we all look forward to, and it’s a great way to push ourselves and continue learning. Baking has been a part of my life for more than 40 years, and I take great pride in mentoring the next generation of bakers coming into the trade.”
A Celebration of Talent and Tradition
The annual Baker of the Year competition has become a cornerstone event for Woolworths, highlighting not only the technical expertise of its bakers but also their creativity and dedication. Donald Keith, Woolworths Bakery Merchandise Manager, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering a culture of excellence.
“This competition is a true highlight each year,” Keith said. “It allows us to celebrate the passion and talent of our dedicated bakers, who work tirelessly to bring high-quality products to our customers. The standard of competition is always incredibly high, which is a testament to the commitment and skill of our team.”
Beyond the competition, Woolworths remains dedicated to the growth and development of its bakery teams. The supermarket chain employs over 1,550 qualified bakers, apprentices, and cadets across more than 680 stores nationwide. These professionals work diligently to prepare a variety of fresh-baked goods each day, ensuring customers receive top-tier products.
The Legacy of Woolworths’ Bakeries
Woolworths has a long-standing tradition of in-store baking, with more than 50 years of history in crafting freshly made bread and pastries. Over the decades, the company has continuously evolved, introducing new products and techniques while staying true to the fundamental principles of quality and freshness.
One of Woolworths’ standout offerings is its range of hot cross buns, a seasonal favorite among customers. Each year, the supermarket sells over 12 million individual hot cross buns during Easter week alone. This impressive figure speaks to the enduring popularity of the product and the expertise of Woolworths’ bakers in delivering consistently delicious treats.
Investing in the Future of Baking
Recognizing the importance of nurturing new talent, Woolworths launched its Bakery Cadet Program in 2022. This initiative provides aspiring bakers with the opportunity to develop their technical skills over a 12-month period, preparing them for a successful career in the trade. The program plays a crucial role in sustaining the pipeline of skilled bakers, ensuring that Woolworths continues to produce high-quality baked goods for years to come.
In addition to the cadet program, Woolworths actively recruits bakers and apprentices across its stores, reinforcing its commitment to the craft. By investing in training and development, the company is helping to preserve traditional baking techniques while also embracing innovation.
As Woolworths celebrates a decade of the Baker of the Year competition, it is clear that the event has grown into more than just a contest—it is a celebration of talent, hard work, and passion. The introduction of the All-Star category has added a new layer of excitement, allowing past champions to showcase their continued growth and creativity.
For customers, the competition serves as a reminder of the expertise and dedication that go into every loaf of bread, pastry, and cake available in Woolworths stores. It also reinforces Woolworths’ position as a leader in the retail bakery industry, committed to delivering fresh, high-quality products.
With each passing year, the competition continues to inspire and elevate the standard of baking within Woolworths. Whether through time-honored recipes or innovative new creations, the company’s bakers remain at the heart of its success. As the next generation of bakers steps up to the challenge, the future of Woolworths’ bakery division looks brighter than ever.
For those eager to sample the latest seasonal offerings, including the popular limited-edition Biscoff Hot Cross Buns, Woolworths’ full range of baked goods is available in stores and online, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of award-winning baking.
