Dunedin’s New World bakers rise to the top

25 February 2013

Dunedin’s New World bakers rise to the top

Dunedin’s local bakeries in New World Centre City and New World Gardens boast two of New Zealand’s best bakers – they are among only four bakers nationwide invited to participate in the highly exclusive 2013 Young Bread Baker of the Year competition.

The prestigious industry award is presented annually by the New Zealand Association of Bakers for the best newly qualified bread baker in New Zealand, with the winner receiving a $10,000 research grant.

And that’s exactly what New World Centre City baker, Sean Jackson, intends to walk away with. A former chef, Sean approached New World for a job in the bakery department after his restaurant reduced his hours in the midst of the recession.

“At the time, my wife was pregnant and I needed a job. Luck was on my side the day I walked into New World – I got a job dishing out the cupcakes front of house. This soon turned into full time work as a baker and I was on my way!

“I have just finished my apprenticeship and was nominated by the store’s bakery manager to compete in the competition. My part-time, front of house job has turned into a real passion and I’m thankful that New World saw my potential,” says Sean.

However, he will be up against New World Gardens baker, Michael Murphy, who also knows a thing or two about putting in the hard yards in order to rise to the top.

At the tender age of 16, Michael started stacking shelves at the local supermarket, and when a job opened up in the bakery for one day a week, Michael was intrigued but initially never saw it as a career that he would be interested in.

“I’ve now been baking for more than six years and my job has turned into my career. I’m proud to say that I’m now second-in-charge in the bakery department and am looking forward to competing in the national competition alongside my fellow Dunedin baker, Sean.”

Steve Anderson, CEO Foodstuffs South Island, says the quality of these two bakers from Dunedin’s New World stores shows their creative and culinary skills really stand up against the other entries.

“Competitions like this are an opportunity for our locally owned and operated stores to showcase their superior bakery skills and the results really are proof of the overall high quality range of products offered daily to our customers. These top competitors are a great reminder for Kiwis to pop down to their local New World to grab some premium baked goods,” adds Anderson.

Started in 2007, this year’s Young Bread Baker of the Year will be a fierce competition between four of New Zealand’s top young bakers put under the spotlight. The competition will be held in Auckland on 27th and 28th February.

ENDS

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