News

Now in its 15th year, the competition is aimed at all levels of staff employed in any aspect of education catering capable of producing excellent craft pieces. It provides entrants with the opportunity to show off their skills which would not normally be seen during their everyday profession.

Sarah Robb, foodservice channel marketing manager at Premier Foods, said: “We are extremely excited and proud to sponsor the LACA Finishing Touches culinary competition, which has such a credible reputation within the industry.

“Our McDougalls Flour, Flour Based Mixes and Reduced Fat Cocoa Powder offer an easy-to-use base for a range of sweet and savoury recipes from cakes and cupcakes to cheesecake and tarts – perfect for the categories open for entry for this year’s showcase. We are looking forward to being part of the judging panel and seeing the culinary talent that the education sector has on offer, best of luck to all entrants.”

The Finishing Touches Display Salon will take place during the LACA Main Event on Thursday 6th July 2023 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The Craft Guild of Chefs will judge the entries and certificates of entry will be awarded to all entrants.

Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates will be awarded to those who achieve the highest standards and a Best in Class will be picked in each category as well as a Best in Show from all categories.

Enter Finishing Touches online. The entry deadline is Wednesday 31st May 2023.  

The Best in Class winners will receive a £100 prize and the overall Best in Show winner will get £250. In 2022 Mandy Saunders from Impact Food Group won Best in Show for their Alice in Wonderland themed craft piece.

Brad Pearce, chair of LACA, added: “There are 12 categories covering sweet and savoury, highly decorated cakes to traybakes suitable to serve in schools across the country, giving entrants the opportunity to showcase different skill sets from cake baking and decorating, floral sugarcraft and cakes for special diets.

“There really is something for everyone to try their hand at, a great way to highlight the talent across our profession. The Best in Show winner, chosen from all Best in Class entries, will be invited to join the judging panel for next year’s Finishing Touches competition as part of their prize.

“We hope to see the number of entries up to the usual levels again this year, showcasing the profile of school catering which has never been higher and a great way to display the talents within our industry.”

The display static classes for 2023 include: 50% Fruit Dessert; Biscuits; Cake Suitable for Special Diet; Cheesecake; Cupcakes; Decorated Celebration Cake; Decorated Novelty Cake; Filled and/or Covered Sponge, Gateau or Cake; Floral Sugarcraft Display Piece; Individual Fruit Tarts; Tray Bake and Vegetarian Quiche.

Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, commented: “We are so pleased to be involved with this salon and every year look forward to seeing some of the great dishes and presentation pieces that are put forward. Let’s make sure 2023 is just as good as the last 15 years.”

For more information as well as the entry criteria read the document below.