Entries came from around Australia for Foodservice Australia’s annual pie and pastie competition; celebrating bakers with a penchant for flaky pastry, tender meat and innovative flavours.

This year’s competition ran at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne and, according to event director Tim Collett, was bigger than ever.

“There were a huge number of entries and big crowds watching the judging. In the end it was Bel’s Bakery in Port Macquarie (New South Wales) and competition regulars Denmark Bakery (Western Australia) who took the top awards,” he said.

Executive director of event host Baking Association of Australia (BAA), Tony Smith, said more than 260 exhibitors put forward 1350 pies and pasties to be judged across three days.

“The nationally-accredited judges panel worked effortlessly to officially come up with this year’s winners,” he said.

“The team from Bel’s Gordon St Bakery narrowly beat competition with their classic chunky beef pie, while Denmark Bakery got a bit more exotic with a Thai chicken pastie.”

Congratulations to the category winners, which include:

Bel’s Bakery: Champion Pie; Chunky Beef Pie; and Vegetarian Pie

Oven Crips Bakery: Plain Mince Beef Pie

Tatura hot Bread: Beef Gourmet Pie

Denmark Bakery: Seafood Pie; Gourmet Pie;

Brighton Jetty Bakery: Gluten-Free Pie

Poultry Pie: Bushies Bakery

Apprentice Plain Mince Beef Pie: Bushies Bakery.