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. They bring 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.
To have more than 60 entries, including competitors travelling from overseas, is fantastic.
Director of Community, Leisure and Sport at High Life Highland
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.”
Meet the judges
Competitors will show their creativity, technical skill and baking expertise in front of an esteemed judging panel led by Jeni Iannetta, founder of Bad Girl Bakery. She is joined by 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.
Head Judge Jeni Iannetta 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.”
Your host for the day
The championships will be hosted by professional chef, food writer and broadcaster Sarah Rankin. She will guide audiences through a day of competition, tasting and celebration.
She said: “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.”
Taste, vote and see the champion crowned
Spectator tickets are still available. You’ll have the chance to taste and vote for your favourite bakes, then see the world’s first official shortbread champion crowned.
For more information, competitor details and spectator tickets, visit www.shortbread.world.
