American Pie Council celebrates National Pie Day

The American Pie Council (APC) is invoking consumers to ring in National Pie Day on Jan. 23 by throwing a pie-baking party. The holiday was created by the APC to engender a love of pies across the United States.

While 2011 was predicted to be the year of the pie, pie sales in supermarkets actually slumped, according to Perishables Group data. Still, pies continue to be a major focus in the bakery during the holidays.

Retail and in-store bakeries can play up National Pie Day by presenting some retooled classics or unique offerings, such as cherry crumb (pictured right, courtesy of Grand Traverse Pie, Traverse City, Mich.), bacon and bourbon pecan or salted caramel apple.