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Here come the pizza judges. All rise!
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Following on from our feature in the last issue, we caught up with the judges gathered at the sessions for the Manufactured Pizza Award. In early September, the PAPA Awards team undertook their annual pilgrimage to find the finest fayre in the three award categories which recognise excellence in the manufactured sector of the industry. First up, they headed to Paddock Wood, where Jestic have hosted the manufactured pizza judging day for over a decade. The development kitchen has just had a complete renovation. It showcases Jestic’s comprehensive portfolio of catering equipment and was the perfect venue for the judges to choose the winners. Over 40 pizzas were judged, representing entries from all the major UK retailers and brands. Bringing their appetites and expertise to the deliberations were three professionals with a wealth of experience that made them eminently qualified. A long-time supporter of the awards, Michael Eyre is product director at Jestic and a regular judge, while also contributing to the Pizza Chef of the Year competition finals. As an expert adviser to many leading household names, Michael has helped them develop their restaurant concepts into successful restaurant chains, as well as working with global brands and Michelin-starred chefs in developing profitable concepts and menus. Michael was joined by Katy Habibian, the owner and franchisor of Village Pizza. She joined the world of pizza 32 years ago, with the goal of providing restaurant-quality food to the homes of her customers and changing the face of the industry, training top team members, using the highest quality ingredients and being involved with the community. She has been passionate about pizza and the sector ever since.
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Chris Dickinson, business development director at Pan’Artisan, completed the judging panel. Chris has worked in the baking industry for 44 years, which includes 22 years in the pizza industry. He has worked developing bespoke pizza dough recipes for Pan’Artisan, collaborating with Asda, Costco, Gordon Ramsay, Paul Ainsworth, Bella Italia, Strada, Center Parcs and many others. The panel were judging the entries on appearance, base quality, taste, texture and value for money. They were treated to a kaleidoscope of flavours including gastro charcuterie and chutney, carbonara bianca, lamb with feta and red onion, chicken arrabiata and cheeseburger, to name just a few. Pizza-style sharing flatbreads were prominent this year, with a number of entries following this trend. At the end of a long day of tasting, the judges were able to produce a shortlist of eight worthy contenders. The winners of the premium and value categories will be revealed at the PAPA Industry Awards Dinner.
Finalists • Aldi - Specially Selected Chicken Florentine • Asda - Spicy Pepperoni Sharing Flatbread • Co-op - Irresistible Salami Cabrese • M&S Collection - Chicken Tikka Masala • M&S Collection - Quattro Formaggi • Morrisons - The Best Garlic Mushroom, Truffle & Mascarpone • Morrisons - Takeaway Classic Crust Loaded Meat Feast • Tesco Finest - La Pepato Porchetta, Pecorino and Pepper
25/10/2024 14:47
PAP