McGregor's Bakery owner-operator Bernie Sugrue is pictured tucking into one of the prize-winning pies yesterday. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
A mince and cheese pie from the bakery claimed bronze in the wholesale/commercial category.
A record number of 388 bakeries from around the country entered pies in 11 categories in the competition.
Only one other South Island piemaker was recognised at the national awards - a fruit pie from Christchurch firm Hillyers of Lincoln Ltd was highly commended.
The supreme award was won for the third time by Tauranga baker Patrick Lam for his gourmet pie containing creamy bacon, mushroom and cheese.
The New Zealand pie market is worth more than $120 million a year, outstripping the burger market.
