"It doesn't get any better than this" says Tim Kanaly, president of VICOM. " We went into this competition knowing that exceeding last years record would be very difficult--but our team rose to the occasion. "
The American Pie Council is the only organization committed to maintaining America's pie heritage, passing on the tradition of pie-making and promoting the nation's love affair with pie.
VICOM entered pies on behalf of its many food-trade and restaurant customers including Bakers Square, which walked away with 34 blue ribbons, another record. Two versions of each pie were presented, one for display and one for the judges to sample. Preparations for the championships began weeks ago at the VICOM headquarters where the company's pastry chefs determined which pies were to be entered into each category.
"Our management threw down the gauntlet and challenged us to beat last year's record," Kanaly says. "It was a daunting achievement, but we knew going in that we had a chance to do it. We have in the past and continue to proudly make the claim of 'The Best Pie In America.'"
Examples of pies that were recognized include Peach Supreme, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Brownie Pile Up, Foley's Mocha Cinnamon Supreme, and Tin Roof Sundae.
New this year was the introduction of trans fat-free pie crusts, which are used on all pie varieties made by VICOM.
More than 500 pies were entered in the commercial category judged during the three-day event. Thirty one (31) pie manufacturers from across the country participated in the competition that is conducted annually. No other pie manufacturer gathered more than 14 blue ribbons.
VICOM Baking is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC.
