The judging for the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards for 2022/23 took place on Wednesday, with nearly 500 of the best pies on offer being delivered to the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline.
The delicious pies were judged by 60 professionals, who have now selected winners for each category, as well as the ultimate champion, who will be crowned in January.
Judges were put to the test as they ranked the pies on their taste, touch, appearance and smell across a number of categories, including the famous football pies which are best enjoyed at matches, haggis pies, bridies, a selection of hot and cold savoury dishes, macaroni pies, sausage rolls, vegetarian pies and apple pies.
The contest allows the creators behind the pies the opportunity to be recognised as producers of the highest quality savoury and sweet products on the market, with accolades being given out to the best product in each category.
The best Scotch pie
Head judge, Ian Nelson, commented: “Each year I expect great looking pies made expertly from quality ingredients.
“I want the judges to see, smell and taste traditional techniques but I also want to see innovation and exciting new flavour combinations coming through.
“It’s safe to say our entrants ticked both boxes today and I can’t wait for the winners to be revealed.”
Scottish Bakers organises the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards to shine a spotlight on the skills of pie makers, with several sponsors offering their support to each category.
They have been supporting and protecting the interests of Scotland’s bakery trade for 131 years, with a sole aim of promoting and protecting the interests of the trade.
Scottish Bakers manages both the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards and the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards each year to recognise and celebrate talent in the sector.
The overall awards partner and Scotch Pie category sponsor is BAKO, a supplier of both bakery products and ingredients.
Owned by bakers for bakers, BAKO is a wholesale supplier of of bakery and food service products.
The Maclean Cup and the Apple Pie category are both sponsored by Carr’s Flour, who have been milling flour in the UK for almost 200 years.
The favourite Football Pie category is sponsored by Rondo, who manufacture high quality machines and for the production of all types of pastry.
The winner of the Scotch Pie category will be declared as world champion at a prestigious awards lunch on January 24 2023 at the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld by TV personality Carol Smillie.
Chief executive of Scottish Bakers, Alasdair Smith, said: “Its always great to be in the room on judging day and seeing all the entries is a real treat for the senses but only the best of the best will win so its going to be exciting to see who will take the title this time.”
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