The Eden Project in Cornwall is to host the first-ever World Pasty Championship. It will take place at the Eden Bakery, between the famous Biomes, on Saturday 3 March 2012.

Pasty-makers locally, nationally and internationally will be invited to enter, but only bakers in Cornwall will be eligible for the Cornish Pasty class.

The event is supported by the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA), which achieved European Union Protected Geographical Indication, earlier this year. PGI status means only pasty-makers based in Cornwall, who make pasties in a traditional way, and follow a traditional recipe, can label their products as ‘Cornish Pasties’.

The CPA represents more than 50 bakers and the event will help showcase local suppliers who sustain the industry in Cornwall, which is worth £65m to the economy.

David Rodda, of the CPA board, told British Baker: “Everyone outside Cornwall can enter a pasty of their choice, savoury or sweet. We hope to get entries from worldwide, including Mexico, for example, where there is still a strong mining tradition. Pasties are associated with mining communities, but their popularity has grown.

“Anyone may enter and there will be classes for professional bakers and amateurs. The Eden Project will also be putting on a full programme of entertainment.”

Full details will be announced on www.edenproject.com.

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