-Entries are now open for Ireland’s Best Baker and Junior Baker of the Year 2025 –
Gala Retail, one of Ireland’s leading community convenience retailers with over 220 stores nationwide, has teamed up with Virgin Media Television to launch a search for Ireland’s Best Baker and Junior Baker of the Year.
Whether you’re a passionate home baker or a rising young talent, the competition aims to recognise and reward homegrown baking talent from every corner of the country and win a share of €4,500 in cash prizes, plus the opportunity to feature on Ireland AM!
The competition is now open to bakers across Ireland. Adults can compete for the coveted title of Ireland’s Best Baker and a prize of €3,000, while budding bakers aged 12 to 16 can enter the Junior Baker category, where the winner will receive €1,500.
To enter, participants must submit their original recipe along with a photo of their baked goods. Entries must fall into one of the following six categories – cupcakes, muffins, scones, breads, tart or traybakes.
Entries are open until Sunday 20th April, with finalists to be announced shortly after. The grand bake-off judging event will take place on May 8th, where the final winners will be crowned!
Speaking about the launch, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, said:
“Gala stores are at the heart of communities across Ireland, and we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate the people and passions that make those communities special. Ireland has a vibrant and passionate baking community, and this is a great opportunity to shine a light on the talent that exists in homes, schools, and kitchens across the country. From experienced home bakers to enthusiastic young talents, this competition gives people a national platform to showcase their baking skills and creativity.”
The competition will be promoted across Virgin Media Television, with features airing on Ireland AM. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their winning bakes on the programme and share their baking journeys with viewers across the country.
Rachel Grant, Client Solutions Manager at Virgin Media Television, added:
“We’re delighted to partner with Gala Retail on the search for Ireland’s Best Baker. Baking continues to be a source of joy and creativity for so many people, and this competition provides a unique opportunity to share that with a national audience. Through our platforms, we’re excited to profile some of the country’s most talented bakers and bring their stories – and their bakes – to life for viewers across Ireland.”
Think you have what it takes to rise to the top? Full entry details and terms and conditions are available at www.gala.ie/bestbaker.