Sharp’s Bakery Birchip has claimed the top gong at the 2025 Vanilla Slice Triumph.

The competition, which draws bakers from across the country to battle it out for the trophy, was held on August 16 in the regional town of Merbein.

2024 winner Banana Boogie Bakery came in second place this year, with Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery rounding out the top three in the Professional category.

The Innovative (professional) category was claimed by Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery with North End Bakehouse and Banana Boogie Bakery placing second and third respectively. The apprentices also held their own, with Banana Boogie apprentices Bert Ruisons and Mitch Timberlake taking out the top two spots, followed by Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery apprentice Stavriana Taliadoros in third.

The 2025 Vanilla Slice Triumph was declared a success by organisers.

“We’d like to thank the entrants in each category,” they shared.

“A few highlights include Roland Views Homemade Foods taking out all three places in the Innovative (Registered Kitchen) category; Sharp’s Bakery Birchip for the Best Vanilla Slice, Professional; and local winner highlights Sunraysia Bread & Butter, Professional and Lock 10 & Weird Restaurant, Registered Kitchen.

“A big thank you to North End Bakehouse for your contributions to Sunraysia Cancer Resources by donation of vanilla slice sales.”

The full list of winners can be found below: