PAK’nSAVE Highland Park bakery manager rises to the top as Foodstuffs North Island’s top baker
PAK’nSAVE Highland Park bakery manager Pavan Vemula and store owner Wade Brown
Every morning, while most of Auckland is still asleep, Pavan and the bakery team at PAK'nSAVE Highland Park are already hard at work mixing dough, shaping bread, baking pastries and preparing the freshly baked goods customers enjoy every day.
At 4am, Pavan and his team are creating the fresh bread, rolls and sweet treats, sending tastebud-tempting aromas wafting down the store aisles to greet customers every morning.
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.
The award recognises outstanding technical skill, product quality, innovation and leadership among bakery teams across Foodstuffs North Island's network of PAK’nSAVE and New World stores.
PAK’nSAVE Highland Park store owner Wade Brown said the store team were 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.
"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 on June 6, where Pavan was announced as the overall winner.
Pavan received a $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.
Top baker award the culmination of 15 years’ dedication
For Pavan, the award is 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," says Pavan.
"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, Pavan built his career across retail and supermarket bakeries before joining PAK'nSAVE Highland Park, where he now leads a team of 15 bakers.
Under Pavan's 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, Pavan 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."
PAK’nSAVE Highland Park bakery team