A MEATY competition saw a panel of expert judges taste the best produce from across the county.
The Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition 2022 attracted 243 entries from butchers and bakers alike.
This was the grand return for the event, organised by county food group Hampshire Fare, after Covid forced cancellations.
“With new categories, a new venue and some new judges, it was a full-on day at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), but everyone, students, staff, judges, and the Hampshire Fare team, worked incredibly hard," said Tracy Nash, commercial manager.
"I would like to thank everyone involved. I think it has shown yet again that The Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition is a truly successful event to be involved with! We even had a shout out from Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 on our way home!
“We are delighted by the number of entries we have received to this year’s Competition. They included entries from past Champions as well as businesses who haven’t entered before, and the first ever entries from the Isle of Wight. This year’s Competition is all about new, new, new! It’s all been very exciting and positive!
“The new categories introduced this year, including Scotch Egg, Sausage Roll, and Alternative Sausage, were very popular. We have also seen our more traditional categories, including Speciality Pork Sausage and Hot Eating Speciality Pie, receive an impressive number of entries.
"In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen so many amazing pies in one place! They were top quality, golden crusted and looking absolutely delicious."
The judges were equally impressed.
Graham Palfrey said: “The products I’ve been judging have all been very good. I judge competitions across the country, and this is the one I always look forward to judging. It’s the best quality-wise. Maybe it is because it is all locally produced.”
Denis Elliott agreed: “The standard is definitely up in the Pie categories, and the new Scotch Egg class was very good. The Sausage classes were super quality. Quality in general is well up and listening to comments from other judges, it’s been good all round. We always get good stuff down here in Hampshire. It is what I have come to expect to be honest.”
The winners of the contest will be announced at an awards ceremony held on March 9, at Southampton Football Club, results published on Hampshire Fare’s website after the event.
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