NZ Pastry Chef of the Year 2026

Draft as of 10 April 2026. Competition will be confirmed by 30 April 2026
Important Note - See competition criteria before reading this info: Please read the competition criteria before submitting the application form.


Class 2602: NZ Pastry Chef of the Year

Saturday 3 October 2026

Time 3 hrs | 180 minutes 8.30 am – 11.30 am

Competitors are required to prepare and serve two (2) different products within a three-hour time limit.

1st product - to be presented at 2 hrs into the competition

Four individually plated portions of the same identical dessert suitable for an upmarket restaurant and representing a consistent theme to match the cake/gateau. The dessert must feature Anchor Food Professionals Cream Cheese, one Nestle product and one Queen product.

2nd product - to be presented on the 3 hr mark of the competition

One cake/gateau of your choice featuring at least one Nestlé Professional product and one Queen product. It must weigh between 800-900grams. (excluding garnish) 1/3 of weight must be cake product.

The whole gateau must first be presented to the Judging panel. After weighing and inspection, 4 plated portions must be served within the 3-hour time frame. The remainder of the cake/gateau will be set on the display table.

Any or all Dairy used must be from the Anchor Food Professionals range, competitors are to bring in all other ingredients required

Plated Dessert Regulations

The desserts must show different elements of skills involved in the pastry kitchen, be seasonal, and suitable for an upmarket restaurant and representing a consistent theme to match the cake/gateau

The dessert must contain at least 3 main components

• one (1) of these components must be served chilled
• one (1) must be frozen
• one (1) of the components must be served warm or hot

Sponsors Information

Samples of the Anchor Food Professionals range will be provided to all confirmed entrants in the Pastry Chef of the Year competition

Nestlé Professional connect here

Maggi coconut milk powder mix
Nestlé royal chocolate couverture
Nestlé docello snowcap white compound chocolate
Nestlé docello french vanilla mousse mix
Kitkat spread
Carnation creamy evaporated milk
Nestlé sweetened condensed milk
Uncle Tobys traditional oats
Buondi steady state coffee beans

Queen connect here

Organic Vanilla Bean Paste, Maple Syrup

Application form available

Please apply by 10 July 2026

Confirmed competitors will be advised by end of July 2026

Awards/Medal Ceremony approximately 4:30 pm