Frewville and Pasadena Foodland have taken out the top honours at the National Artisan Baking Competition, with their sourdough and croissant each crowned National Champion at the Gold Coast event held by the Baking Association of Australia.
The win caps off a remarkable run for Adelaide’s Finest bakery and patisserie teams, who claimed 18 podium places at the South Australian competition in May before being invited to compete on the national stage. Alongside the two national titles, the in-house bakery and patisserie were recognised across multiple categories, taking first place in Danish, baguette, ciabatta and flavoured sourdough, and second place in rye sourdough and white sourdough.
Head Pastry Chef Tharindu Ranatunga says the winning croissant was three days in the making before it ever got on a plane.
“There is a whole team and a huge process involved that gives this one little pastry time enough to develop into something special,” says Tharindu. “I have to thank my team for their dedication and Adelaide’s Finest for their belief in our pastry program.”
Head Baker Peter Soteriou says the recognition matters beyond the trophy.
“We are proud to demonstrate that our supermarkets possess the capability to produce artisan breads of exceptional quality with traditional techniques and clean ingredients,” says Peter.
For Managing Director Spero Chapley, the moment carries personal significance. His father installed one of the first from-scratch bakeries in a supermarket in the mid-1980s, and the tradition has been at the heart of the business ever since.
“When you think about those European streets and piazzas, the smell of fresh, warm bread baking wakes up the neighbourhood,” says Spero. “We wanted that flavour to wake up our business, too. Being named not just Adelaide’s Finest but Australia’s Finest Croissant and Sourdough does mean a lot to us. It means we can share the best quality in Australia at the best possible price.”
Foodland Supermarkets CEO Franklin dos Santos said the awards reflect the brand’s long-held promise.
“Not only does Foodland Pasadena and Frewville offer award-winning shopping experiences, but also Australia’s best sourdough and croissants,” says Franklin. “This is one of those ‘if you know, you know’ circumstances… and we’ve always known. Now, the rest of Australia does too.”
The award-winning sourdough and croissants are available in-store at Foodland Frewville and Pasadena
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