Bakers are being encouraged to enter the Pork and Pastry category for this year’s Bpex Foodservice Pork Product of the Year competition.

The awards, which take place at a special awards lunch at Butcher’s Hall, London on Friday 15 June, celebrate those creating quality pork and pastry products.

Tony Goodger, Bpex foodservice trade manager, said: “Pork and pastry products are a real hit for caterers and their customers. A classic pub ploughman’s is not complete without a delicious pork pie, and sausage rolls are a vital part of most snacking menus.

“The Pork Product of the Year awards recognises the vast array of fresh and frozen pork and pastry products now available from manufacturers, bakers, butchers and chefs. Pork is fantastically versatile and complements many additional flavours – added to which, it delivers great value for money and this is where we are seeing much innovation in the sector.

“By using economical cuts of pork produced to high standards as part of an assurance scheme, such as Red Tractor, caterers know they’re getting quality and value, and this is being passed on to customers.”

Closing date for paper entries is Friday 25 May, after which samples will be required for formal judging by Tuesday 29 May. Entry forms and full terms and conditions are available to download from www.porkforcaterers.com, and further information can be obtained by calling 0247 6478809.