“Northern Ireland has an incredible community of artisan bakers, and last year’s competition showed just how much talent there is here”
The hunt for Northern Ireland’s Best Croissant returns for a second year.
Artisan bakers from across the country are invited to put their lamination skills to the test as NI’s Best Croissant Competition returns on Monday, November 2.
Organised by The Edinburgh Butter Company, the competition celebrates the talent and craftsmanship of Northern Ireland’s independent bakeries.
Last year, Saul Kearney of Mamo Patisserie in Belfast City Centre was crowned the winner of the first-ever competition and joins the judging panel for 2026.
The croissants will be judged on appearance, lamination, texture and flavour by fellow judges Jimmy Griffin, master baker and lamination specialist and food champion Paula McIntyre.
Registered bakeries from across Northern Ireland are invited to enter six plain croissants, made using The Edinburgh Butter Company’s cultured butter sheets, specially developed for pastry lamination. Every entrant will receive two complimentary sheets to practise with and use for the competition.
This year’s event takes place at Andrew Ingredients in Lisburn, the Gold Sponsor and host, and the winner will take home a bespoke trophy created by Metal Moran, with prizes also awarded for second and third place.
New for 2026 is a Best Off-Cuts Bake competition, giving entrants the chance to create something inventive using the pastry off-cuts from their croissants.
Chloe Black, Director of The Edinburgh Butter Company, said: “Northern Ireland has an incredible community of artisan bakers, and last year’s competition showed just how much talent there is here.
“We wanted to create an event that celebrates not only the perfect croissant, but the people, passion and craftsmanship behind it. We’re really looking forward to bringing everyone together again this year and seeing who can take the buttery crown!”
Claire Andrew of Andrew Ingredients added: “We’re delighted to host Northern Ireland’s Best Croissant Competition and support an event that celebrates the incredible talent within our local baking industry.
“We see the passion and dedication of Northern Ireland’s bakers every day, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Lisburn and finding out who will be crowned this year’s winner.”
Entries close on 30 September. Bakers can enter and find full competition details at Northern Ireland’s Best Croissant Competition
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