UPDATE: The winners of the highly anticipated 36th annual Great Aussie Pie Competition have been announced, celebrating Australia’s finest pies and sausage rolls. After four days of intense judging from September 8 to 11, 2023, the Aussie Pie Council revealed the top bakers competing for the coveted titles.
This competition, known for its fierce rivalry, showcased innovative and mouth-watering entries from across the nation. Notably, the award for the most innovative pie went to a shop in Western Australia for their stunning Beef Wellington pie, highlighting the creativity within Australia’s baking community.
Paradise Bakehouse in Bundaberg, Queensland, clinched the title of best mince pie, while The Pie Father, a veteran competitor from Rosebery, NSW, took home the runner-up prize for best plain pie. The competition not only honors traditional favorites but also celebrates modern culinary trends with categories like gluten-free and gourmet options.
Winners in various categories include:
– Best plain beef sausage roll: Banana Boogie Bakery, Belair, South Australia
– Gluten-free vegetable roll: Jojo’s GF Goodies, Kernot, Victoria
– Best gourmet sausage roll: Samuel Gee Pies and Pastries, Balaclava, NSW
– Best meat pastie: Miami Bakehouse, Greenfields, WA
The judges were impressed by diverse flavors, with Mt Barker County Bakehouse in WA winning multiple awards, including the gourmet pie category for their exquisite Beef Bourguignon pie. Other notable mentions include:
– M&D Butchery, Port Cygnet, Tasmania: Tom Lindsay Pepper Steak Award for their Chunky Pepper pie
– Jack’s Cafe and Bakery, Halls Head, WA: John Ross Innovative Pie for the Beef Wellington pie
– Caspers Pies and Pastries, Bayswater, VIC: Manufacturing Plain Sausage Roll
As the demand for quality pie options continues to rise, this event serves as a significant platform for bakers to showcase their skills and creativity. This year’s competition reflects a growing interest in gourmet and health-conscious products, with awards for gluten-free and vegetarian options drawing particular attention.
What’s next for these award-winning bakers? As they celebrate their victories, many will look to expand their offerings and attract new customers eager to taste these acclaimed creations. The Great Aussie Pie Competition not only celebrates tradition but also pushes the boundaries of what a pie can be.
With the spotlight now on these culinary champions, pie enthusiasts across Australia are eager to sample the award-winning flavors. Keep an eye on local bakeries to experience these delectable creations firsthand.
Stay tuned as more updates from the world of Australian baking emerge. For those who missed this year’s competition, mark your calendars for next September to witness the intense bake-off and see who will rise to the top in 2024!
