The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Merbein 2023 took place over the weekend, with bakers coming from far and near to take place in the event. This year’s event was bigger than those in previous years, with a new dried fruit section being added to the line-up. Amateur and professional competitors were able to enter the fruit cake and plum pudding categories in addition to the vanilla slice entries that are usually seen at the event.

The event was well attended, with over 8,000 visitors heading to Merbein, Victoria, to sample the many different baked goods on offer and stay for the announcements of the competition winners.

First place in the Professional Vanilla Slice category was taken out by North End Bakehouse Shepparton this year, with last year’s winner, Sharp’s Bakery Birchip coming in second, and Banana Boogie Bakery taking out third place.

The new categories of Professional Plum Pudding and Professional Fruit Cake were won by Kytons Bakery Australia and Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery, respectively. Second place in the Professional Plum Pudding category went to Hudaks Bakery, with North End Bakehouse taking out third place. Hudaks Bakery also took second place in Professional Fruit Cake, with Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery coming in third.

Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery was also awarded the People’s Choice Award at the event.