Frequently Asked Questions
Submit your recipe using the online form before the deadline.
The choice of pizza ingredients is strictly up to the discretion of the competitors.
There is no requirement that this pizza is on any existing menu but part of the judging criteria is that it must be commercially viable. – Submit your best pizza.
There are six Categories in which to enter:
- Beef + Lamb
- Chicken
- Other Meat
- Seafood
- Vegetarian
- Dessert/Specialty
Pizza recipes must be original and unpublished and must be submitted prior to the deadline.
These must be submitted via the entry email address, on the recipe format sheet provided: deb@xtremechef.com.au
The competition
Global Pizza Challenge wants to provide you the competitor, every chance to excel and produce the best possible product on the day. They have no interest in trying to trick or deceive any competitor. They want the best pizza to win.
It is our obligation to have an area ready for you to compete in; it is your responsibility to show your best effort.
This document has been produced to give you an indication of what the judges will be looking for on the day as well as some help full hints. You will score the maximum amount of points by showing the best possible use of the sponsor's products. Above all be inventive and original.
Sponsors are an integral part of the event and the products they represent need to be used where possible. IE any dairy products should be Mainland or Fonterra. etc
If you use a non-sponsored product, that is available from the sponsor, you stand a chance of being disqualified. In some instances there is a requirement to include specific products for a category, please see each sponsor below.
We have listed some points below that if followed, will help you achieve your desired outcome.
Chicken Category: sponsored by Tegel, see product spec sheets and you must use a Tegel Chicken product- Samples for recipe development and competition are available from Tegel.
Rangitikei are the most popular Corn Fed Free Range Chickens in the New Zealand market. Over many years Rangitikei has built a reputation for healthy, tasty chickens. The company believes special care makes special chicken. Rangitikei Corn Fed Free Range Chicken is tender, juicy, great tasting chicken with the natural properties of corn and sunlight producing a golden meat with excellent cooking and eating qualities |
Beef and Lamb Category: sponsored by Beef and Lamb NZ suggestions are available see sponsors page, category entrants must use at least one New Zealand beef or lamb product.
New Zealand Beef and Lamb
Lamb
Allowing the meat to rest after cooking and cutting across the grain will yield the most tender, succulent beef and lamb. For moreinformation about cooking methods and beef and lamb cuts, visit |
Other Meats Category: sponsored by Buitoni Professional which is a Nestles Professional product brand. This class is all meats other than Chicken, Beef and Lamb and the contestant must use a Buitoni tomato product in the recipe.
- BUITONI Sugo al Pomodoro (Tomato Coulis Sauce)
- BUITONI Sugo Lussuoso al Pomodoro (Rich Tomato Sauce)
- BUITONI Sugo per Pasta (Pasta Sauce)
Buitoni
Seafood Category: sponsored by Shore Mariner NZ,
www.shore-mariner.co.nz
Vegetarian Category: sponsored by Fresh Connection, all category entrants must use one pre-prepared vegetable from the sponsor. Samples for recipe development and competition are available from www.freshconnection.co.nz
Truth of product
If you name a style, technique, flavour, product or garnish, make sure that it appears on your final product.
If you name a dish as a braised mushroom and Parmesan, they must be the dominant products on the dish.
Correct preparation and presentation is required
Cheese
Use the right cheese and the correct amount to complement your dish, too much is not good nor is too little.
Incorrect use of cheese will harm your final score.
As an example the incorrect use of Cheddar can render a dish oily.
A point of difference with effective technique is good.
As an example a four cheese pizza: cream cheese in the pastry, mozzarella on the base, cheese oil in a dressing and a parmesan cracker as a garnish.
Dough
If you say thin and crispy make sure it is.
if you incorporate a grain or different flavour try it before hand.
Sauce base
Has the sauce been prepared classically, did you peel and seed your tomatoes?
Was it passed through a sieve to remove any impurities (skin, seeds pith etc)?
Does the sauce have a good sheen?
Does it leach water on the edges?
Have you adjusted the seasoning?
Is it to tart- do you need to remove some acid?
Garnish
Is the garnish appropriate for the dish, or is it an unnecessary after thought, and is the garnish edible?
Portioning
Has your product been portioned correctly?
Are they good clean cuts and is the product able to be picked up and eaten?
Has your topping been distributed evenly to ensure every piece has the right effect on the consumer?
Is it the correct ingredient for the dish?
Topping
Has the topping been sliced evenly and correctly, does it require marinating,
Have you used and identified sponsors product?
Hygiene
Keep your work area clean and hygienic- if some thing hits the floor it then hits the bin.
If the product is to be chilled keep it under 4C degrees, if it is hot then over 74C degrees.
Personal hygiene is equally important: your uniform should be clean and free from stains, hair nets if required and remove excess jewellery. Nails and hands are of the utmost importance as they constantly in contact with food.
If you use the rest room wash your hands if you touch any part of your body wash your hands!
Competition Day
The Global Pizza Challenge organizers do not select the finalist they are independently selected by suitably qualified industry personnel. You will probably never produce a dish that has not been replicated somewhere in the world. Therefore secrecy, to the point of ridiculous, is not necessary. In the spirit of good sportsman ship, if needed, assist your fellow competitor if they are in need of help. It may be you one day!
Arrive one hour before your heat, this allows you to register and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. We understand that a competition before the public can be daunting. This time also allows you to attend the pre-competition briefing. Competitors must bring their own pre-made dough, sauce, and toppings for 8 x 30cm pizzas. Four pizzas to be prepared in first round cook off. if selected as a category winner 4 x 30cm additional pizzas to determine the overall NZ Winner.
Transport products in plastic containers. Glass containers will not be allowed in the competition area.
Bring all products in an insulated cooler to maintain cold chain. Products not suitable chilled will result in disqualification.
On site refrigeration will be provided.
You must prepare and cook pizza in competition area.
All contestants will be assigned numbers and a drawing will determine order.
Contestants will remove finished pizza from oven and place on a wooden peel with nothing else. The pizza will then be escorted to the judging area by a runner who then will describe their creation. The runner will then cut the pizza and allow each judge to choose a slice (piece).
The judges will grade, score sheets picked up and table cleared, and the judge's decision is final.
Advice or direction (coaxing) either in the make-ready preparation area or in the immediate vicinity of the competition stage is not allowed.
The competitor is the only one allowed in the preparation area and on the competition stage.
Judges decision is final in all matters during the competition.
In all other matters relating to Global pizza Challenge, on the day of the competition, the Competition Coordinator's decision is final.
All recipes and event photography of contestants, and pizzas become the property of Global Pizza Challenge and may be used in future promotions and advertising.
Conclusion
This is your opportunity to showcase your talent and originality. Be the one to represent New Zealand on the international stage. All competitors who reach the finals in New Zealand will receive a certificate and the winner will receive the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the global finals.