By Jodie Symonds
BAYSWATER’S Okka Pies is celebrating the taste of winning.
Owners Lynda and Ken Hultgren took home two bronze medals for their plain chunky beef and apple and blueberry pies at the Great Aussie Pie Competition in September.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to be recognised for the hard work and effort we put into our pies,” Ms Hultgren said.
Back in July, Okka Pies was awarded four medals at the Australian Food Awards, conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.
Okka Pies awarded a gold medal for their beef, and cauliflower and cheese pies, silver for their cherry tomato, spinach and fetta quiche, and bronze for their chunky beef and pepper pie.
The family-owned business is now making their pies more personal to their customers, by the addition of personalised labels.
“Congratulations”, “Thank you”, “Happy Birthday” and “Welcome Home” are just some of the many personalised labels available.
Ms Hultgren said she was behind the idea.
“It’s really about making it more personal, rather than the person just picking up their pie and giving it to their loved one,” Ms Hultgren said.
“Quite often we have people coming in and telling us what their pie is for – and now they have the opportunity to give someone a pie with a special message on it – it’s great.”
Okka Pies are available at Ritchies Supa IGA in Yarra Glen.
