Every morning, while most of Auckland is still asleep, Pavan Vemula and the bakery team at PAK'nSAVE Highland Park are already hard at work preparing freshly baked goods and sending tastebud-tempting aromas wafting down the store aisles to greet customers.
The PAK'nSAVE Highland Park Bakery Manager has been named Foodstuffs North Island Baker of the Year, taking out top honours at the co-op's recent Excellence Awards.
PAK’nSAVE Highland Park store owner Wade Brown said the store team was thrilled about the recognition.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Pavan recognised as Foodstuffs North Island’s top baker. This achievement is a reflection of Pavan’s dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for the baking trade,” said Brown.
"His commitment to excellence shows every day through the quality of the products he creates and the way he leads our talented bakery team. This award is thoroughly deserved and celebrates the hard work, skill, and leadership that have helped make our bakery such an important part of our store and community.”
Entrants were asked to submit samples of ciabatta bread, muffins, and mini baguettes, with the top 20 selected to compete in a two-day bake-off. The final stage included a theory exam, followed by a full day of practical challenges.
Competitors were asked to produce a wide range of baked goods, including shortbread biscuits, Maritozzi cream buns, Christmas stollen, cheesecake with a fruit topping, and a rich chocolate cake.
There was also a mystery challenge, where bakers had to taste a product and recreate it without a recipe, a task that tested their palate, skill, and experience.
Three finalists were selected and invited to the Foodstuffs Excellence Awards, where Vemula was announced as the overall winner. He received a NZD 1,000 gift card and has been invited to return next year as a judge in the FSNI Baker of the Year competition.
The co-op has around 546 bakers across PAK’nSAVE and New World stores, and more than double the number who contribute to the baking process as assistants and apprentices.
For Vemula, the award was the result of more than 15 years dedicated to the craft of baking.
"I started baking in 2010 in India, working in five-star hotels before moving to New Zealand," said Vemula.
"I love that baking is a real skill. Every ingredient matters. If something isn't quite right, the whole product changes. It's very hands-on, and every loaf, cake and pastry reflects the care that goes into making it."
After arriving in New Zealand to study, Vemula built his career across retail and supermarket bakeries before joining PAK'nSAVE Highland Park, where he now leads a team of 15 bakers.
Under his leadership, the bakery produces thousands of freshly baked items each week, with popular brioche products among local favourites.
One point of difference is the team's commitment to scratch baking.
"Almost everything we make is baked from scratch, and I think customers can taste the difference. It gives us better quality and flavour."
Despite his talent and extensive experience, Vemula says hearing his name announced as Baker of the Year still came as a surprise.
“I didn't expect to win first place. It was a really proud moment. This recognition belongs to the whole team. Great baking is always a team effort."
