The Baking Association of Australia’s (BAA’s) annual Victorian Baking Show is just around the corner, with Shepparton’s GO TAFE gearing up for a large crowd.

The show will incorporate Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun competition, along with more than 30 mixed bread, pie, cake and hot cross bun classes.

BAA executive officer Tony Smith said entry numbers are high, with a number of interstate bakers taking part.

“Last year we saw a noticeable increase in the pie section, most likely due to increased awareness of competition within the industry, such as Australia’s Best Pie Competition, which is held in May each year. We also saw an increase in the Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun entries,” he said.

“We don’t expect this year to be any different, as we’ve got a number of bakeries from South Australia, New South Wales and even Tassie making the trip to get entries in this national competition.”

The show’s committee has made several changes to last year’s format, including an increased prize value.

“A nice trophy looks good on the mantle piece, but after sitting down with industry participants, it was clear to the committee bakers wanted a bit more of an incentive to win,” Tony said.

“The winner of the hot cross bun competition will win a full week of promotions at their bakery, with a civic reception and presentation.

“Last year, the Mayor of Shepparton was a guest judge on the Saturday afternoon, which was a great addition. The Shepparton Council remain fully behind the event this year as well, and will hold an official civic presentation on the Saturday night, February 22.”

The Victorian Baking Show will be held on February 22-23, in Innoven Building at GO TAFE, Shepparton.