A DEAKIN Avenue bakery has come away from national industry awards event with a tray full of medals.
The team at Sunraysia Bread and Butter Bakery claimed two golds for their pasties and three awards for their pies at the Australia’s Best Pie and Pasties Competition.
“I bought everyone a drink,” said owner and baker Dean Pickens. “We didn’t get on a podium and spray champagne everywhere but it was good.”
The bakery has been participating in the Baking Association of Australia-run event for several years and has had consistent success.
Pickens said the competition brings his staff together.
“They get excited going, and when they come back and tell us about it the whole team gets excited,” he said.
There’s also a networking aspect to taking part in the baking events, with participants getting winder industry experience and exposure.
“I like to send them away so they get to talk to other bakers and get feedback from the judges,” Pickens said.
“We’re always looking for feedback and challenges.”
It wasn’t just collective awards that the team from Sunraysia Bread and Butter Bakery came away with.
Apprentices Stayurina Taliadoros and Angus Hopfner brought home awards with Hopfner winning best in his category.
“We train people up and train them to our methods,” Pickens said.
“That is what we are proud of as a bakery.”
