It’s been a huge 12 months for Buddy Bakery Melton. The Victorian-based bakery snagged the 2024 Official Great Aussie Pie Comp trophy for their Chunky Plain Beef Meat Pie. July 2025 saw them back up this win after taking home the 2025 Australia’s Best Pie Competition.

Baking Business caught up with owner Sarel Hok to hear about the experience.

Congratulations, Buddy Bakery Melton just took out the top prize at Australia’s Best Pie Competition. How was the competition experience?

It was great watching the judges assess the pies in real time. It gives an insight into what they’re looking for and highlights the integrity of the judging process.

This win comes after taking home the trophy at last year’s The Official Great Aussie Pie competition too. Will we be seeing you there again this year?

Of course

Without give away any secrets, what does it take to make an award-winning pie?

We always focus on flavour. For both the meat and pastry, flavour is most important.

How do you and your team prepare for competitions like this?

Not too differently to any other day. We still need to make our pies for our daily customers, just need to pick out a few to send to competitions.

What does the rest of 2025 hold for you?

We will be competing at the Official Great Aussie Pie competition as well. While also continuously serving our loyal customers with our house-made baked goods.