The 2010 Bakery of the Year Competition is coming up a bit faster than usual this year. BIANZ is taking part in Fine Food New Zealand from 13-15 June, and our Competition will be judged live for the first time ever at the show, with entered products on view for the duration of the event.

Registration to enter the Competition will open earlier than usual at the beginning of May. Judging will take place in view of visitors to the show on 13 June at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, where Fine Food is being hosted. BIANZ Executive Officer Belinda Jeursen says there are some exciting new creative sections this year which will give entrants an opportunity to show off their baking and decorating skills. "People working in the food industry love seeing what others can do and always enjoy viewing the competition products when they are on display at our conference. This year anyone who comes to the Fine Food Show can see the product and we're hoping to get some really fantastic entries in the creative section."

For more information about the 2010 Bakery of the Year Competition, make sure you get an entry form in the next issue of Slice magazine, or register online at www.bianz.co.nz from the beginning of May. Registration closes on Monday 31 May and entered product needs to reach the ASB Showgrounds by 4.00pm on Saturday 12 June.

The Baking Industry Association is set to play a major role in Fine Food New Zealand’s inaugural show, with on-site judging of their Bakery of the Year Competition, BIANZ members’ lounge, stand and support for the Weston Milling Trainee of the Year Competition.

Fine Food New Zealand, taking place from 13-15 June 2010 at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, combines New Zealand’s premier food exhibition, The Food Show, with Australia's most prestigious food trade show, Fine Food Australia. The three-day international food, drink and equipment showcase is attracting support from many influential organisations and exhibitors. BIANZ President Jason Heaven says the Association is really excited about the possibilities offered by Fine Food. “The show offers fantastic networking and trading opportunities to anyone in the food industry.”

Nobody is saying who ordered these cakes or who made them, but certain sources indicate a Middle-Eastern royal family might be involved.

Whatever you think of the customers's tastes, there's no denying their obvious wealth and the skill that has gone into their production.

Download a copy of issue #5 of Slice here