Western Australia's baking industry has proven it's in exceptional shape, with artisan bakeries, pastry chefs and apprentices recognised at the 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Bread & Pastry, presented by Millers Foods.

This year's competition attracted 253 entries, more than double last year's total, highlighting the growing strength and diversity of WA's baking industry. From artisan sourdough and buttery croissants to gourmet pies and beautifully crafted cakes, products were blind judged by an independent panel of industry experts on flavour, texture, appearance, aroma and technical execution.

Judges awarded 11 Champion Trophies, along with 34 Gold, 47 Silver and 56 Bronze Medals to metropolitan and regional businesses across Western Australia.

A Standout Year for WA Bakers

Leading this year's results was Big Loaf Factory Bakery (O'Connor), which claimed Most Successful Bread Exhibitor, Champion Artisan Bread and Champion Loaf for its Country Rye.

Miami Bakehouse (Mandurah) also enjoyed an outstanding competition, taking home Most Successful Apprentice Exhibitor through apprentice Cameron Tasker, who won Champion Pastry Exhibited by an Apprentice or Pre-Apprentice for a Chocolate Eclair. The bakery also claimed Champion Pie for its Garlic Prawn Pie.

The Most Successful Pastry Exhibitor trophy was awarded to Jus For You (Bentley), recognising the quality and consistency of its pastry entries.

A Competition That Continues to Grow

Chief Judge Amy Sajinovic said the increasing number of entries reflected the strength of Western Australia's baking industry.

"With more than 250 entries, this was one of our strongest competitions yet. The standard continues to improve every year, making it increasingly difficult for our judges to separate the best from the best.

"It was exciting to introduce the new Brownie and Almond Croissant classes and particularly pleasing to see growth in the apprentice categories. I commend everyone who entered, and all the businesses that continue to support and encourage emerging talent."

The apprentice classes continue to play an important role in the competition, providing emerging bakers with an opportunity to benchmark their skills against industry standards while gaining recognition alongside some of the State's most respected baking businesses.

Proudly Baking with WA Ingredients

For Big Loaf Factory Bakery Co-Owner Lachlan Bisset, the recognition was a reflection of the passion and commitment of his team.

"Thank you so much to the Royal Agricultural Society of WA for putting on this competition. I'm honoured by the hard work of our team, who are up from one o'clock each morning doing what they love.

"When you're making this kind of product, we take it very seriously. This really is the food that grows the generations of tomorrow. We love making artisan bread and baked goods for people to enjoy, and we're proud to do it using outstanding WA wheat.

"To be acknowledged with these awards is beyond all my dreams."

Celebrating Everyday Excellence

Royal Agricultural Society of WA CEO Robyn Sermon said the awards recognise the craftsmanship behind foods enjoyed every day.

"Many of the products recognised in our Bread & Pastry competition are part of everyday life, but there is nothing ordinary about the skill and dedication required to create them.

"Behind every award-winning loaf, pastry and cake is a chain of excellence that begins with quality ingredients and continues through to the hands of talented bakers and pastry makers.

"These awards celebrate the people who add value at every step of that journey, creating products that are shared, enjoyed and woven into the moments that bring our communities together."

The Perth Royal Food Awards – Bread & Pastry competition forms part of the wider Perth Royal Food Awards program, recognising excellence across Australia's food, beverage and agricultural industries.

2026 Special Trophy Winners

• Most Successful Bread Exhibitor: Big Loaf Factory Bakery (O'Connor, WA)
• Most Successful Pastry Exhibitor: Jus For You (Bentley, WA)
• Most Successful Apprentice Exhibitor: Cameron Tasker – Miami Bakehouse (Mandurah, WA)

2026 Champion Trophy Winners

• Champion Commercial Bread: Braided Crusty White Loaf – Jack's Bakery (Halls Head, WA)
• Champion Artisan Bread: Country Rye – Big Loaf Factory Bakery (O'Connor, WA)
• Champion Pie: Garlic Prawn Pie – Miami Bakehouse (Mandurah, WA)
• Champion Pastry Exhibit:Verdens Beste – Sugar & Nice (Inglewood, WA)
• Champion Cake:Verdens Beste – Sugar & Nice (Inglewood, WA)
• Champion Loaf Exhibited by an Apprentice: Devon White Loaf – Nicole Somera, Coles Supermarkets (East Victoria Park, WA)
• Champion Pastry Exhibited by an Apprentice or Pre-Apprentice: Chocolate Eclair – Cameron Tasker, Miami Bakehouse (Mandurah, WA)