Australian Pizza Awards: Competition Guidelines

Here are the rules, tips and guidelines for the Australian Pizza Competition to ensure a smooth and enjoyable competition for all participants, 

Please review these carefully before entering, and don’t forget to familiarise yourself with our Terms and Conditions. 

Entries close Friday 11th April.

 

ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY The competition is open to any foodservice operator, owner, manager or chef. Pizza recipes must be original, unpublished, and submitted online before Friday 9th May prior to the competition.

Competitors must prepare four (4) identical pizzas in one of the following two categories:

Classic Pizza Creative Pizza

  • Competitors must bring pre-made dough (sufficient for four pizzas plus a test run), sauce, cheese, and toppings. See details below for specific categories.
  • We encourage using sponsor products where possible; sponsor products will be provided on the competition day. A final list will be provided to competitors pre event.
  • All ingredients must be transported in labelled plastic containers (glass is prohibited) and comply with Australian Food Safety standards. Correct food handling must be adhered to.
  • Ingredients must be brought in insulated coolers to maintain temperature control. Improperly chilled products will lead to disqualification. On-site refrigeration will be available.

CLASSIC PIZZA 

  1. All pizzas must be prepared and cooked on-site.
  2. Each contestant will have 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes to cook their pizzas.
  3. Dough must be provided by competitors for four classic (15cm-30cm) round pizzas.
  4. Contestants are permitted to use any style of sauce 
  5. Contestants are limited to a maximum of four ingredients
  6. Contestants are responsible for cleaning their workspaces after completion and will be judged on the cleanliness of their station.
  7. Competitor presentation & product knowledge
  8. Oven preparation
  9. Cooked pizzas must be placed on the provided wooden pizza boards for presentation to judges and the viewing audience.

CREATIVE PIZZA 

  1. All pizzas must be prepared and cooked on-site.
  2. Each contestant will have 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes to cook their pizzas.
  3. Pizza can be any dough base. 
  4. Dough must be provided by competitors for four (15cm-30cm) round pizzas.
  5. Creativity is your only limitation when it comes to dough, sauce, toppings, baking techniques, or styles. Where possible, we encourage the use of sponsor products.
  6. Your recipe must be original.
  7. Contestants are responsible for cleaning their workspaces after completion and will be judged on the cleanliness of their station.
  8. Competitor presentation & product knowledge
  9. Oven preparation
  10. Cooked pizzas must be placed on the provided wooden pizza boards for presentation to judges and the viewing audience.

JUDGING, SCORING & PRIZES

Prizes Pizza Chef of the Year Best Classic Pizza Best Creative Pizza

  • Pizzas will be graded by an esteemed panel of judges using a universal score sheet.
  • The judges’ decisions are final.
  • For all non-judging matters, the Competition Coordinator’s decision is final.
  • Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be substituted.

 

LOGISTICS & SUPPORT

  • Start times will follow a sequential order based on contestant numbers. Each contestant will be assigned a preparation station before their start time.
  • Only the competitor is allowed in the preparation area and on the competition stage.
  • Coaching or advice from others in the preparation or competition area is strictly prohibited.
  • Finalists will be assigned a competitor number, and cooking order will be determined by a random draw.
  • Travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and pizza ingredients are the responsibility of the competitors.

Competition management will provide the following items:

  • Sponsor Products
  •  Pizza Wheels
  • Disposable Containers
  • Corn Meal of Flour
  • Prep Tables
  • Small Wares
  • Ovens
  • Pizza Pans & Screens
  • Knives
  • Dough Dockers
  • Induction Stoves (?)

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES Employees of National Media, affiliates, advertisers, promotional agencies, event sponsors, and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.

All participants must agree to the Australian Pizza Championships Terms and Conditions.

Competitors must wear an appropriate, clean uniform consisting of shirt/jacket/t-shirt, kitchen trousers and appropriate footwear. This uniform can be your restaurant or association.