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The entry deadline, for up to ten entries, has been extended until Friday 6th June. The competition is aimed at all levels of staff employed in any aspect of education catering capable of producing excellent craft pieces.

The Finishing Touches Display Salon will be part of the LACA School Food Show, running alongside LACA Main Event on Wednesday 9th July at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The 2025 edition of Finishing Touches Salon Culinaire is sponsored by McDougalls and organised by LACA in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates will be awarded to those who achieve the highest standards and a Best in Class will be picked in each category as well as a Best in Show from all categories. Best in Class winners will receive £100 each and the Best in Show winner will get an additional £250.

The display classes include: 50% Fruit Dessert, Biscuits, Cake Suitable for Special Diet, Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Decorated Celebration Cake, Decorated Novelty Cake, Filled and/or Covered Sponge, Gateau or Cake, Flat Bas Relief Plaque (New for 2025), Individual Fruit Tarts, Tray Bake and Vegetarian Quiche.  

Mariela Petkova, channel marketing manager of foodservice at sponsors McDougalls, said: “Year after year, we are blown away by the standard of entries across all categories including cakes, tarts, desserts and savoury dishes.

“Our range of McDougalls Flour, Flour-Based Mixes, and Reduced Fat Cocoa Powder provide a simple yet versatile base for a variety of sweet and savoury creations making them ideal for use in this competition. We’re looking forward to being part of the judging panel and celebrating the outstanding culinary talent in the education sector.”