More than 100 bakers lined the steps of the State Library of Victoria in December armed with picket signs and a mission to keep Easter special.

Vocalising their message to Coles and Woolworths in the form of Christmas carols, the peaceful protestors were joined by family and friends to oppose the sale of hot cross buns immediately after Christmas.

The rally attracted attention from national television and radio stations, with the slogan “we’re not cross, we’re just disappointed” doing the rounds on social media. “We were happy to see one of the major supermarkets at least hold off until the second week of January, but the other didn’t hesitate to have them on sale shortly after Christmas,” Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses CEO Steve Plaree said.

“It’s a real shame the independent bakers of Australia are the ones standing up for their customers and family values – but in many ways it’s no surprise. Bakers are traditionally humble, hard-working people who know and care for their customers.

“Standing up for what is right is part of what we do. I’d like to thank everyone who showed their support and we encourage others to spread the word next year when the issue will no doubt raise its head again.”

The campaign to limit hot cross bun sales to six weeks before Easter is supported by the Australian National Baking Industry Association and the Baking Association of Australia, which represent more than 1000 bakeries throughout the country. Prominent bakers and pastry chefs have also come on board to support the campaign, including Dean Brettschneider, Phillippa’s Bakery, Bakers Delight, Beechworth Bakery, Pierrick Boyer and Stephane Boardes