The Victorian Baking Show that also hosts Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun Competition saw a record number of exhibitors this year, as well as higher attendance numbers entries in events over the weekend of March 4-5 in Shepparton.

Ninety-six bakeries entered 560 pieces of product to be judged on Saturday, March 4, while industry participants enjoyed state-of-the-art demonstrations from sponsors. Bakeries from as far as Queensland, South Australia and NSW converged on Shepparton to compete with Victorian bakeries.

BAA national president Andrew O’Hara thanked everyone at the official dinner on the Saturday night where 120 people gathered to hear the announcement of the 2017 Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun Competition.

At 9.30pm on Saturday night, the winner was announced – the trophy was leaving the Victorian state to head to CJ’s Bakery at Christie Beach in South Australia.

The winners will receive an official civic presentation along with a week of giveaways for customers courtesy of the BAA and the sponsors.

On March 5, CJ’s Bakery posted on Facebook, “After selling out by 11.30 this morning, we’ve just baked our second batch for the day! Get in quick, these buns are flying out the door”.