Innovative Nacho Pie Wins At Vegan Pie Awards

The eighth annual Vegan Pie Awards has seen outstanding new entrants who have come out as winners! The awards which showcase excellence in vegan baking across New Zealand were held on Friday 7th November at Crave Café in Auckland. The judges loved the Supreme Winner saying it was an innovative and flavour-packed pie, with a great combo of textures.

“We are delighted to have received so many new bakeries entering the Pie Awards this year. It certainly shows that vegan food is tasty, and more customers are asking for vegan options across the board. Businesses are happy to see their innovations greeted with return sales. We look forward to more plant-based food options across the nation” commented Claire Insley, Media Spokesperson for the Vegan Society.

This year’s judges were Vice President of Baking NZ Bernie Sugrue, a Timaru baker for over 30 years, who has also worked with the MPI in his time. Also new is Kylie Alla, who brings a decade of recipe writing and developing to the team of expert judges, along with Vegan Society board member Tina Rush, who enjoys a good pie. Welcoming back the awards stalwart Aaron Pucci, who has 25 years’ experience in food and manufacturing, along with 15 years of judging in the Australasian industry awards.

The competition was fierce, as always and the full list of winners can be found below and on the website at https://vegansociety.org.nz/nz-vegan-pie-awards/

Supreme Winner

”Nacho Pie” Richoux Patisserie

Judges said: Great combo of textures. Flavour-packed and very innovative. Judges loved it.

Mince and Cheese

Winner “The Kiwi” Kat’s Pies

Judges said: Tasty mince flavour with a nice choice of vegan cheese and good texture. The pastry has a nice audible flake and golden appearance.

Runner up “Mince and Cheese” Euro Patisserie

Judges said: Nice choice of vegan cheese and nice flaky pastry. Very realistic meaty taste and texture. A very lovely and pretty appearance.

Steak and Cheese

Winner “Steak and Cheese” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Rich “meaty” goodness. Excellent flavour and crisp pastry.

Runner up “Steak, Feta and Mint” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Good balance of flavour with mint and feta, and a nice flaky pastry, well baked top and bottom.

Chicken

Winner “Butter Chicken” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Butter chicken has great flavour, well balanced. Flaky pastry - well baked!

Runner up “Vegan Butter Chicken” Richoux Patisserie

Judges said: Really lovely appearance, glossy on top. Well seasoned. Good flavour.

Gluten free

Winner ”Pumpkin and Pecan” Fairlie Bakehouse

Judges said: Pastry very short. Lovely detail on the top and a generous size. Unique mix and blended well.

Runner up “Vegan Butter Chicken” Pioneer Pie Co.

Judges said: Very nice flavour of filling, well-flavoured and well-seasoned. Choice of vegan chicken very nice.

Vegetable

Winner "Vegan Vegetable Pie” Wild Grain Patisserie

Judges said: Chock full of fresh vegetables and creamy sauce. Beautiful appearance and flaky pastry.

Runner up “The Thai” Kat’s Pies

Judges said: Generous and hearty with a pleasant, mild, peanutty Thai filling.

Cafe Boutique

Winner “Carne Asada” Logan Maclean

Judges said: Creative. Glossy appearance and generous filling with a curious citrus flavour.

No Runner up

Gourmet

Winner “Nacho Pie” Richoux Patisserie

Judges said: Great combo of textures. Flavour-packed and very innovative. Judges loved it.

Runner up “Double Cheeseburger” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Great flaky pastry and very flavourful. Tastes just like a cheeseburger

Commercial Wholesale

Winner “Vegan Butter Chicken” Goodtime Pie co.

Judges said: Universally pleasing to a wide audience. The perfect pie on the run.

No Runner up

Sweet

Winner “Apple and Sour Cherry Crumble” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Delicious crisp crust and thoughtfully balanced sweet apple and sour cherry spiced filling.

Runner up “Snickers Pie” Tart Bakery

Judges said: Crisp base and an elaborate and delicious Snickers flavour-bomb.

Runner up “'Pear and Ginger in a Light Butterscotch” Piccolo Morso

Judges said: Beautiful appearance with a lovely lingering ginger flavour, coupled with delicate pear and a crispy crust

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