2024 Awards

The Vegan Society Aotearoa held its SEVENTH annual Vegan Pie Awards in November.

This year’s categories were:

• Vegan Steak and Cheese
• Vegan Mince and Cheese
• Vegan Chicken
• Sweet Pie
• Vegetable Pie
• Cafe Boutique
• Gluten Free
• Wholesale Commercial
  
  

This year the top prize went to The Cheeseburger Pie by Richoux Patisserie – our Supreme Winner! 

The judges – who had to taste test their way through 72 different pies from across the nation – claimed it to be a fantastic concept, well-executed tasty pie with a beautifully cooked pastry.

Master Baker Jason Hay has done it again, in addition to winning the Supreme title, Richoux Patisserie is also home to the winners in the Vegetable and Steak and Cheese categories and the Supreme pie was entered in the Café Boutique category, making a total of 3 category winners and also runner up in the Sweet and Steak and Cheese categories! If you are passing through Ellerslie, this bakery is well worth a stop.

Another favourite winner, for the Commercial category, was Kai Pai of Wanaka, who bake a delicious Roast Veg Cashew Curry pie, one you’ll find in the freezers of many supermarkets across Aotearoa. Kai Pai are consistently recognised in the Awards and a firm favourite with the judges.

The illustrious judges who had such a difficult job to do were Award stalwarts, Food and Beverage industry expert Aaron Pucci and Jasbir Kaur, President of the NZ Chef Association in Auckland, amongst a host of other talents. Along with Brad Jacobs, co-owner of the Coffee Club who has helped out on the Pie Awards many times and newcomer Kylie Alla, who is currently writing recipes for My Food Bag.

“Vegan pies continue to be popular with vegans and non-vegans alike. A classic Kiwi staple, a pie is never out of fashion and our winners show some great ingenuity with their flavour combinations.” Vegan Society Spokesperson Claire Insley commented. “Kiwis know they can be assured of a delicious pie from any of our category winners and runners up.”