It's Nearly Pie Awards Time

Will it be Kiwis’ perennial favourite of mince and cheese, more exotic ingredients such as possum or paua, or a delectable dessert combination such blueberry and tamarillo that will reign supreme?

All will be revealed on Tuesday, July 26 when the winners of the country’s most hotly contested and tantalisingly tasty competitions - the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards - are announced.

And when they are, we’ll make sure you’re one of the first to know exactly which pie and pie makers are judged to be the best in the business.

Hundreds of pie makers from around the country are already hard at work poring over their recipes, perfecting their pastry and slaving away over hot ovens to try to bake the perfect pie. It is quite simply the most popular food contest in New Zealand and leaves for dead similar contests, such as the British Pie Awards, with the UK awards attracting only around 500 entries.

So mark your diaries – July 21 – Pie Judging and July 26 – Winners announced.

In the meantime, a few fast facts and key dates regarding the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards:

• The New Zealand pie market is worth in excess of $140 million
• Kiwis consume a staggering 75 million pies a year
• Last year’s awards attracted more than 4,300 entries
• This is the 15th year of the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards
• Entries close on June 30
• Judging Day is on Thursday, July 21