American Pie Council
Announces the Nation's Best Pies
Results are in From the
26th Annual APC
National Pie Championships
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From a spectacular assortment of 365 luscious pies, the American Pie Council announces the mouthwatering results of the association's recent national championships.
The verdict is in. Boasting an impressive 26 blue ribbons for their creative confections, Harlan/Apple Valley Foods, Kentville, NS, topped an impressive competitive commercial bakery field. Judges' favorites included Harlan/Apple Valley Foods' Bursting with Berries, Spiced Peach, White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan pies, among the blue ribbon winners.
The top independent baker is a returning favorite, Michele's Pies, Norwalk, CT, with 8 blue ribbons awarded to distinctively delish entries including Peanut Butter Fantasy, Berry Marscapone, Turtle Pumpkin and Strawberry Shortcake pies.
Blue ribbons were awarded at the Colborne Foodbotics Awards Reception and Ceremony. For a complete list of each company's winning pies, please visit the APC event page and follow the instructions to download the list.
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It took the entire team representing Harlan/Apple Valley Foods to gather all 26 of their coveted blue ribbons. Presented by APC board president Rick Hoskins (left). |
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Commercial Bakers/Blue Ribbons
- Harlan/Apple Valley Foods, Kentville, NS -- 26
- Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, Oakbrook Terrace, IL -- 15
- Jessie Lord Bakery, Torrance, CA -- 13
- Publix Super Markets, Lakeland, FL -- 9
- Table Talk Pies, Worcester, MA -- 8
- Rocky Mountain Pies, Salt Lake City, UT -- 8
- Village Pie Maker, Omaha, NE -- 7
- Wick's Pies, Winchester, IN -- 4
- Beckmann's Old World Bakery, Santa Cruz, CA -- 4
- Mike's Pies, Tampa, FL -- 3
- JOYEBELLS, Richmond, VA -- 1
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Independent Bakers/Blue Ribbons
- Michele's Pies, Norwalk, CT -- 8
- The Flaky Apple Pie Co., Costa Mesa, CA -- 4
- Norske Nook Inc., Osseo, WI -- 3
- Don, the Pie Guy, Fruitland Park, FL -- 2
- Zukie's Pies and Cakes, Clearwater, FL -- 1
- River City Diner & Smokehouse, Oconto, WI -- 1
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“We couldn't be happier with this year's event,” said Rick Hoskins, APC board president and CEO of Colborne Foodbotics. “Our bakers outdid themselves, to the judges delight. There truly is no other gathering for the pie industry that rivals this event for the competition, as well as the networking among industry peers.
"We've enjoyed 26 years of competition and of time well spent in our mission to impact and enhance the consumers' love of this All-American treat."
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The 26th Annual APC National Pie Championships were held May 1 and 2, 2023 in Kissimmee, FL. An array of pies -- including hand-held options, no-sugar-added and gourmet treats -- were entered in more than 30 sweet and savory flavor categories.
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For chocolate lovers, Guittard Chocolate Company sponsored a special competition to showcase innovation among premium chocolate hand-crafted pies. Rocky Mountain Pies reigned supreme among commercial bakers with its decadent Tuxedo Triple Chocolate Pie. (Pictured above, Mark "Par" Grandinetti, Founder/President, Rocky Mountain Pies, accepting the blue ribbon from Tom Houlihan, Guittard's V.P. Strategic Development). While Norske Nook Inc. swept the independents with a heavenly Raspberry Chocolate Mousse.
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BEMA Pie Industry Forum panelists (l to r) Keith Richards, National Sales Director, Harlan Bakeries, Jessica Tolar, Fresh Bakery and Pie Merchant, Walmart, and Stephanie Ortmann, Sr. Brand Manager, Sara Lee Frozen Bakeries. |
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Just as impressive as the pies were the notable industry speakers. Joanie Spencer, editor-in-chief, Commercial Baking, and host of the Trouble Shooting Innovation podcast shared industry stats as the keynote speaker at the Holton Food Products luncheon. One of Joanie's many trends that were shared -- with its imbuing romantic sentimentality and nostalgia, pie is becoming the new wedding cake.
In her role as Walmart Fresh Bakery and Pie Merchant, Jessica Tolar inspired bakers with tips like showcasing their products on Pinterest, one of Tolar's "go to's" to discover unique pies for its stores. Tolar shared how Walmart's mission is to offer customers options for stress-free entertaining. This includes providing easy ideas for dressing up store bought pies, which will be the focus of a new Walmart website landing page.
Emily Bowers, VP, Education and Operations, BEMA, hosted the BEMA Pie Industry Forum with an impressive panel including Stephanie Ortmann, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, Jessica Tolar and Keith Richards, Harlan Bakeries. A rousing discussion on how to best move the industry forward included ways to meet consumer demand for enjoying pie throughout the day, not just as an evening dessert. This included a focus on engaging younger consumers, whose dining habits feature snacking throughout the day in lieu of the three daily meals, thus favoring hand-held and individual pies that are easy to grab and go.
Look for for more insights from the experts in future issues of "The Pie Times."
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First-time entrants celebrating blue ribbon wins! (l to r) Brooke Cazier, The Flakey Apple Pie Co. (independent bakery) and Joye B. Moore, JOYEBELLS (commercial bakery).
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“As always, we are grateful for the continued support of our most valued sponsors, who supply exemplary tools that help our bakers achieve success!” said Hoskins. “We look forward to seeing everyone in 2024.”
If you are interested in participating as a baker or sponsor in next year's event, please call 407-718-4640.
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