Who Will Be Crowned the World’s Fastest Pasty Crimper At Cornish Pasty Week 2025?

An all-new competition to find the world’s fastest amateur pasty crimpers is set to make Cornish Pasty Week 2025 one to remember. The week-long celebration will culminate with the World’s Fastest Crimper competition on Saturday, 1st March, at the Great Cornish Food Store in Truro.

The contest, organised by the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA), will include separate categories for adults and under-16s. Participants will go head-to-head in a race to crimp three Cornish pasties as quickly as possible.

Jason Jobling, CPA chairman, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever open contest to find amateur world champions in the skilful art of crimping. Crowning the World’s Fastest Crimpers will be a great way to end a week full of activities, all designed to celebrate our favourite food, its history and those who make it the thriving Cornish industry it is today.”

Supporting Local Schools Through the Community Fund

Cornish Pasty Week has been raising money for the Cornish Pasty Community Fund since its launch in 2018. Earlier this year, the 2024 event raised £20,000 for schools across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

So far, 30 schools have received funding to introduce food-related activities, such as after-school cookery clubs and vegetable-growing projects. Professional bakers from CPA member bakeries have also visited local schools, teaching over 600 children how to make their own Cornish pasties.

For the 2025 fund, businesses making or selling genuine Cornish pasties can contribute by donating either a set amount per pasty sold or a lump sum. Schools can apply for funding by completing an online form on the CPA website.

Photo: Professional baker Jackie Tonkin of the Cornish Pasty Association shows how to crimp a Cornish pasty. – Photo credit:  John Hersey.

Celebrating Cornwall’s Culinary Icon

A key aim of Cornish Pasty Week is to promote the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status of the Cornish pasty. Awarded in 2011, the PGI ensures that only pasties meeting strict criteria can carry the ‘Cornish pasty’ name.

Jason Jobling said: “Cornish Pasty Week is a great time of year when spring is around the corner and we all get together to showcase the love, care and talent involved in making a genuine Cornish pasty.”

The Pasty Industry: A Vital Part of Cornwall

The Cornish pasty industry is a key contributor to Cornwall’s economy, generating around £300 million annually and supporting over 2,000 full-time, year-round jobs.

The World’s Fastest Crimper competition has received support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda. Locally, funding is managed by Cornwall Council through the Good Growth Programme, helping communities and businesses thrive.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a crimping enthusiast or just a pasty lover, Cornish Pasty Week promises a host of activities leading up to the grand finale in Truro. To book your place in the World’s Fastest Crimper competition or find out more, visit the Cornish Pasty Association’s website.

Photo: Professional baker Jackie Tonkin of the Cornish Pasty Association shows how to crimp a Cornish pasty. – Photo credit:  John Hersey.