Buddy’s Bakery (Melton, Victoria) has taken out the top gong for the coveted Plain Mince Pie title at the 35th Official Great Aussie Pie competition.
Recognised as the original, greatest, and longest-running pie competition in Australia, the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition was founded with a mission to raise the standard of the quality of pies, sausage rolls, and pasties.
The competition continues to generate a spirit of pride and passion among Australia’s pastry professionals. Over fifteen hundred pies were entered across five titles and 13 gourmet sub-categories in this year’s event, which took place across four days at Fine Food Australia 2024 at Melbourne’s MCEC.
“Every year our entry numbers increase, and our judges and pie crew put in a massive effort to get through them all,” said competition organiser Danielle Lindsay from the Aussie Pie Council.
“I’m extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by all as we continue to contribute to the standard of pastries throughout the country.”
Entries were judged on everything from shape, size, colour, meat quality and flavour to texture, pastry, creativity and uniformity. Competitors also receive feedback from the judges to help them improve their standards.
The winners
Plain Meat Pie: Buddy Bakery (Melton, VIC) – Chunky Pie
Gourmet Pie: Jack’s Bakery (Halls Head, WA) – Lamb & Red Wine Pie
Plain Sausage Roll: Orange Spot Bakery (Glenelg, SA) – Beef & Pork Sausage Roll
Gourmet Sausage Roll: Orange Pie Company (Orange, NSW) – Maple Bacon & Hazelnut Sausage Roll
Pastie: Orange Spot Bakery (Glenelg, SA) – Beef Vegie Pastie
Tom Lindsay Pepper Steak Pie Award: Country Cob Bakery (Springvale, VIC) – Pepper Beef Pie
Apprentice Category (Pepper Steak Pie): Sam Anderson from Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes (Ocean Grove, VIC) – Pepper Pie
Shepherd’s / Potato Top Pie: Jack’s Bakery (Halls Head, WA) – Potato Shepards Pie
Slow Cooked BBQ Pie: Forster Bakehouse (Forster, NSW) – Carolina BBQ Brisket Pie
Game Pie: Paradise Bakehouse (Bundaberg, QLD) – Red Curry Crocodile Pie
Poultry Pie: Country Cob Bakery (Springvale, VIC) – Cambodian Chicken Pie
Red Meat Pie: Jack’s Bakery (Halls Head, WA) – Lamb & Red Wine Pie
Vegetarian / Vegan Pie: Forster Bakehouse (Forster, NSW) – Cauliflower Cashew Mornay Pie
Pork Pie: Four Seasons Patisserie & Bakery (High Wycombe, WA) – Red Curried Pork Pie
Seafood Pie: The Little Red Grape (Sevenhill, SA) – Prawn Satay Pie
Apple Pie: Four Seasons Patisserie & Bakery (High Wycombe, WA) – Apple Pie
Brekkie Pie: Jack’s Bakery (Halls Head, WA) – Brekkie Pie
Gluten Free Pie: Heatherbrae Pies Ourimbah GF (Ourimbah, NSW) – Curry Beef
Gluten Free Sausage Roll: Jojo’s Gluten Free Goodies (Kernot, VIC) – Roast Veggie Sausage Roll