ALDI is thrilled to announce the talented winner of its exciting new bread baking competition. The grand finale, held on September 3rd at Airfield Estate in Co. Dublin, showcased three outstanding finalists from across Ireland.
Julia Sommer from Tipperary emerged victorious, dazzling the judges with their remarkable baking skills of her seeded sourdough bread. As part of the well-deserved prize, Julia will see her bread stocked in all ALDI stores nationwide and will receive €15,000.
The Rise with ALDI competition was launched to discover Ireland’s best amateur bread baker, culminating in a live final that promised to be transformative for the participants. This event featured celebrity host Síle Seoige and a panel of distinguished judges, comprised of ALDI buying director Laurence Kelly, Julie O’Hara representing O’Hara’s of Foxford and Jonny Murphy, also known as the Hungry Hooker.
Finalists included Fionn Corcoran from County Kerry with his fruit soda bread who placed second, and Brian Reilly from County Wexford with his brown soda bread who placed third. Each baker brought their best bread to the competition, impressing the judges with their creativity, skill, and dedication to the craft.
Julia Sommer, Rise with ALDI winner expressed her excitement: “I am truly honoured to have had a chance to be a finalist in the Rise with ALDI competition. Baking has been a lifelong passion for me, and having the opportunity to showcase my bread on this national stage is an incredible dream come true. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to ALDI, the esteemed judges, and everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. This experience has been nothing short of inspiring, and I am grateful for the chance to share my love for baking with others.”
Speaking at the final, Jonny Murphy Rise with ALDI judge said: “It was an honour to judge this competition and witness such incredible baking skills. Julia’s bread truly demonstrates the creativity and passion for bread baking. Congratulations to our finalists for getting this far and Julia on a well-deserved win!”
Laurence Kelly, Buying Director at ALDI, added: “We are delighted with the success of Rise with ALDI. This competition is a fantastic platform for amateur bakers to showcase their skills and creativity. We are proud to have launched this brand-new initiative within the business and to have found such an outstanding winner. Julia’s bread will be featured in ALDI stores nationwide in the new year, and we look forward to sharing her exceptional baking with our customers across Ireland.”
The competition, which began with a nationwide search for Ireland’s top amateur baker, has highlighted the remarkable baking talent across the country. ALDI remains committed to celebrating and supporting local bakers, continuing its tradition in finding the best of Irish!
Slán go fóill.