Products

In May-June 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania and the Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) organised an educational event called “The best Lithuanian bread”. The aim of the event was to encourage Lithuanian bakeries to develop competitive bread products of increased value and high consumer quality that would retain the best Lithuanian bread making traditions; to introduce high quality Lithuanian bread products to consumers; and to popularise these products and their producers. 
The bread products were assessed in two stages at KTU Food Institute. In stage one the products were assessed by KTU Food Institute assessors as well as by a consumer group. In stage two, a commission consisting of assessors from the Ministry of Agriculture, State Food and Veterinary Service, Lithuanian Grain Processors’ Association, KTU Food Institute, and KTU Department of Food Technology evaluated the bread products. The key criteria were taste, smell, texture, whether the bread is baked according to traditional methods, packaging, etc.
Finally, the results of the competition for the best – tastiest and most appealing looking – Lithuanian bread were announced. Ten bakeries participated in the competition with 24 products submitted for assessment. In assessing the best products, consideration was given to whether the bakery preserved bread making traditions, the appearance of the product (product and packaging), its impact on the senses (flavour, smell), how easily available the product is, as well as the overall attractiveness of the product. In the brown bread category, the best Lithuanian bread 2008 was awarded to Ajerų bread made by the Baltasis pyragas company. Products which have received awards in the competition bear special labels.