New bread, old values: the winners of the St. Stephen’s Day bread competition have been announced

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 01. 11:01

The Hungarian Bakers’ Association organized the St. Stephen’s Day Bread Competition for the fourteenth time this year, the results of which were announced on July 31 in the Hunting Room of the Parliament. According to the decision of the professional jury, this year’s St. Stephen’s Day bread was “Zuzorka Bread”, made by the G&D Handicraft Bakery in Makó. The winning bread was made with sunflower seeds and boiled potatoes, ripened with natural sourdough, kneaded with sourdough, representing a unique, yet traditional taste.

The aim of the competition is to draw attention to the importance of quality, traditional Hungarian baked goods. This year’s competition was open to entries in four categories: St. Stephen’s Day Bread, Innovative Bread, Walking Cake, and Bread Bakery of the Year. Nearly 50 baking companies submitted samples to the competition, and the judging was again conducted by renowned food and hospitality industry professionals.

The winner of the “Innovative Bread” category was Bihari Pékség’s “Feketeerdei bread”, a special product made with unusual ingredients: enriched with grape seed flour, sesame seeds and oat flakes, with an outstanding nutritional value and harmoniously combining traditions with modern nutritional trends.

In the “Walking Cake” category, the product “Meggylekváros diós papucs” took the top prize, created by Hódagro Zrt. from Békéscsaba. The easy-to-eat, hand-held cake evokes traditional homemade flavors and offers a modern consumption experience.

Special awards were also given to those factories that represent the profession in an exemplary manner. This year’s “Bread Bakery of the Year” title was won by Hajdú Pékség from Hajdúnánás, which stands out from the domestic field not only with its products, but also with its business philosophy and community involvement.

The awards were presented by János Lázár, Minister of Construction and Transport, and Márton Nobilis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, praising the role of the bread competition in nurturing the traditions of Hungarian gastronomy. In his speech, the Minister emphasized: “Bread is more than food – it is a symbol of community, survival and togetherness.”

The winning products will be available to taste in numerous bakeries and events across the country from August 20, creating an opportunity for consumers to experience with their own taste buds how tradition meets innovation in Hungarian bread culture.