SBK Sweden announces Junior Bakery Champion 2024

Stockholm / SE. (sbk) This week was the final of Sweden’s SM Young Bakers competition. After five intense hours of competition, it is clear that Alva Odelbrink, 23 years old, is the Swedish junior champion in bakery 2024. She impressed greatly with her theme where she presented a spectacular show bread with an interpretation of the Stockholm Metro. The flavourful success concept mixed with great craftsmanship made the jury fall over. The competition was held at Ester Mosesson High School in Gothenburg.

(Photo: Sveriges Bagare + Konditorer – SM Unga Bagare 2024)

On the final day, seven finalists from across the country put their skills to the test. In five hours, the young talents had to bake tasty and imaginative savoury breads, envelope breads, buns, rolled doughs (e.g. Viennese bread) and a beautiful show bread, which is a sculpture made of bread. All are baked from scratch and are judged on craftsmanship, technique, creativity, flavour precision and innovation in the creation of the bread. The finalists impressed with many creative themes inspired by the likes of A Night in Venice and Astrid Lindgren’s fairytale world.

At the top of the podium was Alva Odelbrink with her interpretation of the Stockholm Metro. Her showpiece bread showed skill and an eye for detail, with a rushing train through one of the city’s many subway tunnels complemented by details of graffiti and the station’s characteristic painted leaf vines. The accompanying baked goods were also imbued with the theme. Alva, who was born and raised in Solna, Stockholm, works at Spånga konditori and is also part of the national junior bakery team.

Jury statement: «Through a masterful execution that transforms the pulse and depth of the city into bakery art, this year’s winner has taken us on a journey where every stop is a taste of excellence. With a playful spectrum of colour and form, she has demonstrated not only technical skill but a unique ability to convey her story. The journey we are invited to take is both elegant and full of innovation, testifying to a creator who knows her craft and the art of taking her audience to new worlds.»

SM Unga Bagare is organised by the trade organisation Sveriges Bagare + Konditorer to highlight young and ambitious talents in the baking profession.Competing in bakery is not only a good way to demonstrate the craftsmanship required, but also to inspire more people to choose a career in bakery.The bakers who place one to four in this year’s competition together form the Swedish National Junior Bakery Team, a renowned national team that has won several World Cup gold medals over the years.