ORLANDO, FL — A collection of pies from retail bakeries around the country were awarded during the 29th edition of the American Pie Council’s National Pie Championship event, held April 8-9 at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.
Entries were evaluated in three categories — Commercial, Independent and Amateur — by a panel of expert judges on criteria including first impressions, flavor, mouthfeel and overall appeal.
In the Independent category, Zukie’s Pies and Cakes, a Clearwater, FL, bakery founded by Zukie Tzekas, took home the most blue ribbons. Of the 10 winning entries, standout flavors include Florida Sour Orange, Bourbon Pecan and Blackberry Lemonade.
Michele’s Pies, founded by Michele Stewart and located in Norwalk, CT, added five more wins to its collection of 51 National Pie Championship accolades. The winning pies were Cookie Banana Pudding, Peach Crumb, Australian Beef, Mango Cream and Strawberry Crumb.
Another repeat winner is Sweet Kaki’s, located in Newnan, GA, and founded by Caroline Bowman. This year, the business took home four awards with its Old South Pecan pie, Hug on a Plate Chicken Pot Pie, Southern Belle Apple pie and Sunshine Lemon Chess pie flavors.
Humble: Simply Good Pies, an artisan shop located in Dallas, won three blue ribbons. Among its winning entries is the Ube Coconut Macchiato flavor in the open cream category.
My Pie in Cincinnati and Cootie Brown’s in Johnson City, TN, round out the 2026 cohort of winners. My Pie won for its 4-inch Petite Raspberry Crumb entry, and Cootie Brown’s took home the blue ribbon for its Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake submission.
