Bakers hold rally at State Library to 'keep Easter special'
Over a hundred bakers and customers gathered on the steps of the State Library on December 21 to take a stand against the major supermarkets selling Hot Cross Buns too soon after Christmas.
Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses CEO Steve Plarre sent an open letter to the heads of Coles and Woolworths pleading that they help keep Easter special by not selling Hot Cross Buns straight after Christmas. However, when the supermarkets did not respond, the bakers took to the streets.
According to Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, in a recent online poll over 90% of respondents agreed that selling Hot Cross Buns just after Christmas was wrong.
“It’s a real shame that we needed to take to the streets to be heard on this matter. Bakers across Australia agree that the supermarkets are stretching their promotions beyond what’s considered reasonable. This is about family values being honored to keep Easter special” Plarre said.
In support of the rally, some bakeries, including all Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses will opt to sell “Not Cross Buns” prior to Hot Cross Bun day on the 15th of February. Profits will go to the Starlight Foundation to help grant wishes for sick children.
The Hot Cross B.U.N (Bakers Uniting Nationally) initiative, which argues the major supermarkets should only sell Hot Cross Buns 6 weeks before Easter, has garnered support from bakers across the globe. Supporters include the Baking Association of Australia, the National Baking Industry Association and even the Craft Bakers Association of Britain. Other high profile support has come from international celebrity baker Dean Brettschneider, Phillippa’s Bakery, Bakers Delight, Beechworth Bakery, executive pastry chef Pierrick Boyer of Le Petite Gateaux and Stéphane Bordes of Noisette Boulangerie.
