After three days of judging, two bakeries were recognised as making the country’s best pie and pastie at Foodservice australia 2013.

Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes in Victoria has taken out top gong in the australia’s Best Pie Competition, while Orange Spot Bakery in South australia has taken home the trophy for the Great aussie Pastie Competition.

Both businesses will receive a week’s free promotion for customers, as well as an official civic presentation.

as the general manager of Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, Nathan Williams congratulated his staff and said the winning entry – a chunky beef pie – was the result of a strong team effort.

“It’s always a surprise to take out the big award, but I have to say, this time we were really confident with the pie going in. It’s big on chunks and flavour,” Nathan said.

“Our ingredients are locally sourced and fresh. We use premium King Island beef, which is 100 per cent growth-promotant-free and antibiotic-free.

“the judges really take the time to look at all parts of the pie. they look at it cold, they look at the pastry on its own and then they look at how it heats up. Overall, they said as far as pies go, our pie was as good as it could get; a very pleasing result for the family-business.”

this is the fourth year in a row Orange Spot Bakery has been awarded and owner Nick davey said winning the apprentice section is particularly encouraging.

“Our apprentice Matthew Williams virtually put all the product together on the day and we are thrilled to bits with his achievement. It’s important for us to see our training is paying off. We are sticklers for detail and he has really come to the fore with his own attention to detail,” Nick said.

“It’s not just one person doing this however, it’s a whole team effort. the award is thanks to those doing the ordering for us because come competition time they are on the phone to suppliers ensuring we have top quality product. and then there is the baker who is running the oven on the day, who may choose to only bake one or two trays at a time while everyone is screaming to get their stuff in the oven.

“But this commitment to outstanding products keeps the bakery ticking over. this is the thing that keeps you in the mind’s eye of everyone out there and we take competitions like this very seriously.”

Nick’s son and Orange Spot Bakery’s manager Jamie davey said he looked forward to another round of media sponsorship.

“the publicity generated as part of this award has been really great in the past. It’s a great way to promote the bakery with locals who already recognise Orange Spot Bakery, as well as with tourists who come to the area.”

Baking association australia executive officer and competition organiser tony Smith said more than 250 bakery and exhibitor entrants took part in the competition throughout a number of classes.

“this is the only industry based competition being conducted by industry for the industry, and its popularity is growing as a result,” tony said.

“each year we take on suggestions and comments from everyone that has entered and we have made changes that ensure everyone is on an even playing field with the classes.”