National Pie Awards make long-awaited comeback

Bakeries across the country are being given the chance to put their iconic pastries on the map with the return of the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards.

The competition is making a long-awaited comeback after being postponed last year due to market pressures on their sole sponsor, Bakels.

Bakels National Sales Manager Tony Marshall says the decision to postpone last year’s event was out of consideration for bakeries already struggling with supply costs.

“We just could not justify putting up prices and then spending a lot of money on the Pie Awards whilst businesses struggled with escalating costs.”

The competition opened on Monday, with bakeries encouraged to enter their best selection of savoury pies.

Celebrity chef Al Brown is among the panel of judges who will announce the results on June 1, at an awards ceremony at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.

Marshall says Bakels is expecting a very good turnout this year as there’s been a “huge interest” from local bakeries.

“For the smaller businesses, winning a Gold or even a Supreme Award does so much for the sales of not only pies in their shops but gives the bakery a chance to show off other products they produce while they’ve got that increased foot traffic.”

For Mairangi Bay Bakery, tucked quietly in a strip mall, the recognition from the Pie Awards helps put their pie shop on the map.

In 2021, their pies ranked in the top 10 across seven categories, and owners Tina and Vong Hean agree the award shows are great for recognition.

Since the first event took place in 1996, the Pie Awards have evolved with the times, adding new categories like ‘Potato Top’ and ‘Cafe Boutique’ to reflect the ever-changing tastes of Kiwis.

A TWN survey of 22 Auckland pie lovers has revealed that steak and cheese continues to hold the hearts and taste buds of Kiwi consumers, with less-traditional options like chicken and cranberry and smoked fish nearing the bottom of the list.