One of Australia’s most celebrated patissiers, Adriano Zumbo, has accepted the role of event ambassador for the 2014 Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph.

The coveted annual baking competition, which also incorporates the National Dried Vine Fruit Bake-off, will be held in the heart of Merbein, Victoria, on Saturday, August 16.

Although Adriano has now opened six stores throughout New South Wales and Victoria, he’s no stranger to small towns, having developed his sweet tooth by raiding lollies and cake mix from his parent’s IGA supermarket in Coonamble.

Recently-elected chair of Merbein Vanilla Slice Committee Bernadette Wells said event organisers and participants are excited by Adriano’s upcoming visit to the small town, which is outside Mildura in the Sunraysia region.

“Adriano’s appearance this year further cements the event, as not only one of the region’s premier culinary events, but also one of the most innovative culinary events on the national calendar,” Bernadette said.

The competition, which runs along side a day of family-orientated food and entertainment offerings in Merbein’s main street, brings hundreds of visitors to the region every year.

Professionals, amateurs and apprentices (vanilla slice only) are encouraged to enter.