Canterbury bakeries make the best Christmas mince pies, according to the results of a national competition to find who bakes the festive fare the best.
The top 10 mince pies (as judged by an expert panel) include four baked in Canterbury.
Overall winner was Rangiora Bakery, located about 30 minutes drive north of Christchurch, while three others in the top 10 also come from Christchurch.
To enter the Great New Zealand Christmas Mince Pie Competition, bakers made six of the same Christmas mince pies with a sweet pastry base, fruit mince filling and topping of the baker’s choice’ allowing each competitor to demonstrate their own creative and innovative flair.
Judges were Mat Keys from Farmers Mill, Steve Adams from Rustic Café (in Lincoln), Dave Bradley – Bakery Tutor from ARA Institute of Canterbury, with the chief judge being Kevin Gilbert (Gilbert’s Fine Food in Dunedin and BIANZ President).
Top choice
18 High St, Rangiora
Next best (not in order)
409 Harewood Rd, Bishopdale, Christchurch
Four Christchurch locations (Westfield Shopping Centre, Northlands, The Palms and 160 Blenheim Rd)
Authentic Bakery
17 Crowhurst St, Newmarket, Auckland
3340 SH 2, Carterton
64 Johnsonville Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington
4/72 Main Rd, Tawa, Wellington
400 Heretaunga St E, Hastings
Coast To Coast Bakery
106 Commerce St, Kaitaia
11/70 Rolleston Dr, Rolleston, Christchurch
Ten O’clock Cookie Bakery & Cafe
180 Queen St, Masterton
Previous year’s winner
3340 SH 2, Carterton
Source: Baking Industry Association of NZ, 2016 Great Christmas Mince Pie Competition
