International entries roll in from USA and France as countdown begins to inaugural event in Inverness
The inaugural World Shortbread Championships is attracting worldwide attention, with more than 60 bakers now signed up to compete for the coveted title of World Shortbread Champion. Entries have been received from across the UK and overseas, including three competitors from the USA and one from France, highlighting the international appeal of Scotland’s most historic and iconic bakes.
Organised by High Life Highland and sponsored by Kirkcaldy-based Carr’s Flour Mills, the championships take place at Inverness Leisure on Saturday 21 November, bringing together junior, amateur and professional bakers to compete across traditional and speciality shortbread categories.
The event builds on the success of the popular Shortbread Showdown – previously organised by Visit Inverness & Loch Ness – and is set to become one of Scotland’s premier food and drink competitions.
Competitors will showcase their creativity, technical skill and baking expertise in front of an esteemed judging panel led by Jeni Iannetta [headline picture], founder of Bad Girl Bakery, alongside former ‘Great British Bake Off’ contestant Nicky Laceby; Christine Faughlin, Content Director of Food and Lifestyle at Sainsbury’s Magazine; and Jim Borland, Account Manager, Carr’s Flour Mills.
James Martin, Director of Community, Leisure and Sport at High Life Highland, said, “We are absolutely thrilled with the response to the first-ever World Shortbread Championships. To have more than 60 entries, including competitors travelling from overseas, is fantastic and demonstrates the global affection people have for Scottish shortbread
“One of our ambitions for the championships is to create an event that celebrates Scotland’s baking heritage while welcoming competitors from around the world. The variety of entries we’ve received is incredibly encouraging and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Inverness Leisure for a fantastic day on 21st November.
“This promises to be a wonderful celebration of one of Scotland’s best-loved treats with lots of opportunities for tasting, demonstrations and a host of fringe events to entertain the whole family.”
The championships will be hosted by professional chef, food writer and broadcaster Sarah Rankin, who will guide audiences through a day of competition, tasting and celebration.
She commented, “I am absolutely thrilled to have been asked to be the host of this brand new baking competition – everyone loves shortbread. I think the World Shortbread Championships is set to become a firm favourite in the diary.”
Head Judge Jeni Ianetta said, “Our competitors should be fine tuning their recipes right now with only a matter of weeks to go to the big day! With only three ingredients for the traditional category, I suspect the judging for this to be really difficult. As for the speciality category, my fellow judges and I are particularly excited to see and taste the wonderful creations that our competitors come up with.”
Spectator tickets remain available, giving visitors the opportunity to taste and vote for their favourite bakes, then witness the crowning of the world’s first official shortbread champion.
For more information, competitor details and spectator tickets, visit www.shortbread.world.