The population of Merbein swelled on Saturday 19 August as thousands of locals and visitors flocked to the town for the 2023 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, keen to pick up some of the tasty delights and take in the atmosphere of the event.
Despite the weather being cool and overcast, the rain held off this year, and the main street was abuzz with festivities. A constant stream of vanilla slice sales kept food vendors very busy all day as visitors clambered to attain one of the custard-filled delights. Judging began at 10.00 am and continued through to 1.30 pm, our very own General Manager Dean Musgrave was one of the judges and said “The competition was fierce, with all entries of a high standard, making our job extremely difficult“.
PHOTO CREDIT: Louise Barker
Entries in the baking competition were well up from last year which kept the judges very busy for most of the day. At 2.00 pm crowds gathered at the main stage to hear the results of the three amateur categories which included Vanilla Slice, Fruit Cake, and Plum Pudding, Seniors 60+ and Students (Primary and Secondary).
It was great to see so many new entrants, as well as a whole range of schools participating in the event. Warren Lloyd, Deputy Director of Dried Fruits Australia was encouraged by the number of entries in the fruit cake and plum pudding categories, particularly given the rich history of dried fruits in the region. One of the criteria for these categories was that each entry must contain separate portions of Australian sultanas, currants, and raisins. Any other dried fruits or nuts added had to be listed.
At 3.00 pm, Judging and Bakery Coordinator Anne Nash presented the results for the professional and apprentice categories. Competition from bakeries was extremely fierce this year, with recipes carefully guarded by bakers and kept under wraps. Anne said, “The Great Vanilla Slice Triumph is like the Melbourne Cup for bakeries, and for the winning bakery, the prestige draws crowds from around the nation seeking these custard-filled delights for months and years to come“.
The Apprentice Fruit Cake Category was won by Sunraysia Bread N Butter Bakery (Mildura & Irymple, Vic) with the winning entry in the Apprentice Plum Pudding Category being awarded to Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery (Cobram, Vic).
The winning entry in the Professional Fruit Cake Category was baked by Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery (Mildura & Irymple, Vic), with second place being awarded to Hudaks Bakery (Mildura, Vic) and third place to Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery (Cobram, Vic).
PHOTO CREDIT: Louise Barker
In the Plum Pudding Professional Category, the winning entry was baked by Kytons Bakery, (Edwardstown, SA) with their Aged Brandy Christmas Pudding made with Australian dried fruit and brandy sourced from the Barossa Valley. Second place was awarded to Hudaks Bakery and third place was awarded to North End Bakehouse (Shepparton, Vic). Be sure to place your order with these bakeries in the lead-up to Christmas.
PHOTO CREDIT: Louise Barker
The Apprentice Traditional Vanilla Slice Category was won by Kiah from CJ’s Bakery (Christies Beach, SA) with second place being awarded to Rebecca also from CJ’s Bakery, and third place awarded to Kaiden of North End Bakehouse. The prizes were presented by head judge, Jason Riley and EOI National Business Development Manager, Leo Mato. It was wonderful to see so many apprentices entering and was great to encourage the next generation of bakers as they hone their baking skills.
The Professional Innovative Vanilla Slice Category was won by CJ’s Bakery (Christies Beach, SA) with their Lemon and Blueberry Vanilla Slice. CJ’s are back-to-back winners of this category having won previously in 2022 with their Lemon Meringue Vanilla Slice. Second place was awarded to a “mystery baker”, with Third place going to Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery (Cobram Vic) for their Pineapple Lump Vanilla Slice.
The honours for the Professional Vanilla Slice Category in the 2023 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph went to Matt Aylett of North End Bakehouse (Shepparton). Second place was awarded to Sharp’s Bakery (Birchip, VIC), who were also the 2022 winners, and third place was awarded to Banana Boogie Bakery (Belair, SA). The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Peoples Choice Award was awarded to Sunraysia Bread & Butter Bakery.
Congratulations to all who participated in the 2023 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, we know how busy bakeries are and these competitions take time. Thank you to Anne Nash, the judging team, sponsors, and the event organisers for your time and efforts we appreciate all that you do and recognise that these events promote the baking industry while providing an opportunity to award baking excellence. To keep up with the latest news on baking competitions around the country click here to sign up for the NBIA weekly eNews or check out our events page.