From artisan sourdough and buttery croissants to award-winning pies and beautifully crafted cakes, Western Australia’s finest bakers have been recognised at the Royal Agricultural Society of WA’s 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Bread & Pastry presented by Millers Foods.
The awards celebrate the skill, creativity and technical excellence behind some of Australia’s most loved everyday foods. This year’s competition demonstrated that a love for the local bakery remains alive and well, attracting 253 entries, more than double than what was received last year.
Each product was blind judged by an independent panel of industry experts with entries assessed against strict criteria including flavour, texture, appearance, aroma and technical execution, ensuring products were recognised solely on their merits. Judges awarded 11 Trophies, and 34 Gold, 47 Silver and 56 Bronze Medals to metropolitan and regional businesses across Western Australia.
While bread may be one of the world’s oldest foods, judges said the competition highlighted a thriving and evolving industry where traditional techniques sit comfortably alongside innovation, premium ingredients and contemporary consumer trends.
Chief Judge Amy Sajinovic said the standard of entries continues to grow, reflecting the depth of talent within Western Australia’s food sector.
“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.”
Leading the field this year was Big Loaf Factory Bakery (O’Connor, WA)who took home Most Successful Bread Exhibitor, as well as Champion Loaf and Champion Artisan Bread for their Country Rye. Miami Bakehouse (Mandurah, WA) also claimed three honours for Most Successful Apprentice Exhibitor and Champion Pastry Exhibited by an Apprentice or Pre-Apprentice thanks to apprentice Cameron Tasker, as well as Champion Pie for their Garlic Prawn Pie. The final Special Trophy for Most Successful Pastry Exhibitor went to Jus For You (Bentley, WA) for a selection of their delicious pies.
“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,” said Lachlan Bisset, Co-Owner of Big Loaf Factory Bakery.
The competition also continued to showcase emerging talent through its apprentice classes, providing aspiring bakers with an opportunity to benchmark their skills against industry standards and gain recognition alongside some of the State’s most established baking businesses.
Robyn Sermon, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, said, “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 is part of the wider Perth Royal Food Awards program, celebrating excellence across Australia’s agricultural, and food and beverage industries.
A full list of winners is available in the 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Bread & Pastry Results Catalogue at perthroyalfoodawards.com.au.
