Rise Baking Company Triumphs at 2026 National Pie Championships
Orlando, Florida - In a stunning display of culinary excellence, Rise Baking Company announced that it has been awarded an impressive 20 Blue Ribbons at the 2026 American Pie Council (APC) National Pie Championships, held on April 8-9 in Orlando. This prestigious competition saw hundreds of entries from both commercial and amateur bakers across the United States and Canada, emphasizing the quality and innovation that Rise offers.
This recognition underscores Rise's unwavering dedication to producing high-quality baked goods that not only meet but exceed the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers in a highly competitive market.
Judging Criteria and Standout Performers
A panel of esteemed judges carefully evaluated each entry based on several criteria, including appearance, flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Rise Baking Company stood out remarkably in the commercial division, receiving top accolades in multiple categories.
Among the award-winning entries were the company's innovative lemon raspberry and salted caramel pecan snack pies, both of which garnered Blue Ribbon recognitions.
The competition featured a diverse range of pie formats, sizes, and flavors—from classic favorites like apple, cherry, and pumpkin, to unique clean-label offerings such as strawberry orchard oat and peach plum. This variety not only highlights the baking prowess of Rise but also reflects its commitment to balancing traditional recipes with contemporary consumer demands.
Insights from Company Leadership
Michael Docherty, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Research and Development at Rise Baking Company, expressed pride in the team's collective achievement.
"Earning this level of recognition in such a competitive field is a strong reflection of the work happening across our team," said Docherty. "Our Research and Development team continuously strives to innovate, ensuring we present products that align with evolving customer needs while upholding the quality and consistency our partners rely on."
Expanding the Pie Portfolio
Rise Baking's remarkable successes at this year’s championships are a testament to the strategic expansion of its pie portfolio, particularly following the acquisition of Table Talk in 2024. Currently, the company boasts a wide variety of ready-to-bake, thaw-and-sell, and snackable pie formats, including delectable double-crust fruit, custard, and crumb-topped varieties tailored to meet the demands of various retail and foodservice programs.
Having a specialization in cakes, cookies, muffins, icings, and pies, Rise turns out an extensive lineup of products targeted at in-store bakeries and foodservice clients. Among its clients are prominent national grocery chains, convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, and mass merchandisers, all of whom benefit from Rise's industry expertise and dedicated support.
About Rise Baking Company
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Rise Baking Company has positioned itself as a leader in the North American bakery manufacturing sector. The company's comprehensive product range includes items that cater to a variety of customer needs, ensuring that they create special moments for bakery enthusiasts everywhere. In summary, with its vast portfolio and innovative mindset, Rise Baking Company continues to raise the bar in the baking industry, underlining the company's promise to deliver excellence and variety in every bite.
For further information, visit
Rise Baking Company and discover their award-winning products and ongoing innovations in the baking world.