Easy as pie – three days of tasting ahead to find Australia’s best pie and pastie

Bakers from around Australia will be rolling their sleeves up and their pastry out, to create a pie or pastie impressive enough to take home the trophy in Australia’s Best Pie Competition and The Great Aussie Pastie Competition 2013.

This year 120 bakeries have registered for the competition, to be held by the Bakers Association of Australia (BAA) at Foodservice Australia in Melbourne 2-4 June. Entrants are coming from as far as the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Defending the title will be Sean Carley and his team from Denmark Bakery in WA, who won the pie title in 2012 with their Chunky Steak Pie. This year they have entered 10 categories, and have high hopes for the ‘Vindaroo’ a curried kangaroo pie that is entered in the Gourmet section.

“There are no guarantees – I always say that to win, we need the best tradesmen using the best ingredients on the best day,” says Carley. “We’ll also have a crack at the pasties, last year we came close to winning with our vegetarian pastie.”

Last year’s winner of the Great Aussie Pastie Competition was Nick Davey from the Orange Spot Bakery in Glenelg, South Australia. His apprentice Matthew Williams was also named Australia's Best Apprentice Pasty Maker.

Tony Smith, BAA Executive Officer says calibre of entrants this year will once again ensure an exciting show. He says there is also a new ‘Goat’ category in 2013 that is sure to inspire some creative entries.

“This competition is fortunate to be part of the Foodservice Australia, our members enjoy visiting the show each year and are amazed at how the show has grown,” Smith says.

“The baking industry want to see how pies are judged, they want feedback, and this trade show allows judges to do demonstrations, as well as judge the pies and pasties.

“Head Judge Ron Taylor is a second generation pastry cook, with more than 55 years experience, who is held in high esteem by the industry,” Smith adds.

Ron Taylor will oversee a team of accredited judges over the three days to ensure a rigorous and fair competition. This year’s judging team includes John Humphries, Victor Fox, John Debont, Kim Banfield, Brendan Carter and Martin MacLennan. Winners will be announced in the Bakery Theatre at the show at 3pm on Tuesday 4 June.

Foodservice Australia Director Timothy Collett says Australia’s Best Pie and The Great Aussie Pastie Competition are part of an impressive lineup of events at the show, including the Bakery Theatre, Chocolate Grand Prix, Rare Medium Chef of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, the Restaurant Theatre, the FSAA annual Conference, and the Global Pizza and Pasta Challenge.

“These world-class events, combined with the exciting new products and dynamic exhibits we have come to expect from industry suppliers, make this a truly must-see show,” says Collett.

Foodservice Australia exhibition runs from 2-4 June 2013 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Entry is strictly trade only. For more information and free registration visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au