American Pie Council brings 24th annual National Pie Championships to Orlando on April 6-7

Some of the world’s best bakers will put their crusts to the test and try to slice the competition when American Pie Council holds its 24th APC National Pie Championships in Orlando on April 6-7, 2018.

Hundreds of pie makers will be gathering on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 at Orlando’s Rosen Centre Hotel to compete for bragging rights as hundreds of judges name the nation’s top pies. Amateur, professional and commercial piemakers from around the globe will vie for top honors in dozens of different categories ranging from sweet fruits and creams to nuts and chicken pot pies, even gluten-free categories. Entries are crafted for the competition and judged based on appearance, taste, consistency, crust and overall product.

“Pie is a constant. Throughout our lives it’s always been there, like family and friends,” said Linda Hoskins, executive director of the American Pie Council. “The APC National Pie Championships were created 24 years ago to celebrate our nation’s love affair with pie. We eagerly await the competition and introducing the nation’s best to pie-loving fans.”

The American Pie Council invites the public to attend the APC National Pie Championships on Saturday, April 7, at 4 p.m. when the 2018 APC National Pie Championship winners are announced. Admission is free for the “Pie Party” which will also include an Emile Henry creative apron contest and fashion show and Iron Pie Chef competition.

Also, throughout the two days, everyone is invited to attend pie making demonstrations by renowned pastry experts. The Pie Learning Center will include presentations from Lee Sanders, American Bakers Association, Jennifer McCracken, Firmenich Inc., Jonathan Gilbert, Stratas Foods and Joanie Spencer, Sosland Publishing. Some of the “Pie Learning Center” presentations include:
• “Deconstructing a Cream Pie to make a Shot Glass Pie” – Chef Joe DiPaolo, Director of Baking, Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
• “Innovative Ways to Finish Your Pie” – Chef Monica Kate, Dobla North America
• “Savory Pies” – Chef Clyde Tanner, Academic Director of Culinary, Tampa Art Institute
• “The Guittard Chocolate Company with a Chocolate Cream Pie Tasting” and “Chocolate 101” – Chef Donald Wressel and Chef Josh Johnson, The Guittard Chocolate Company

The National Pie Championships will be held at the Rosen Centre, located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. For a complete schedule of demos and events, visit piecouncil.org/Events/PieIndustrySeminar. For more information, visit piecouncil.org.