Despite last year's backlash over the early release of hot cross buns, Woolworths has lost no time in bringing these seasonal baked treats, plus a cheeky new ice cream release, to the shelves this year.
Last year, Aussie customers consumer over 72 million Woolworths hot cross buns, the company said, with a 10 per cent growth in popularity year on year.
Although specialist bakers such as Ferguson Plarre continue to protest to both Coles and Woolworths, calling on the supermarkets to exercise more restraint in the hot cross bun department, Woolworths says in January last year alone, it sold over 10 million hot cross buns.
And this year, the range at Woolies has expanded to include a summer version of the traditional buns in the form of a new limited-edition Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream.
The Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Ice Cream is made up of raisins and a smooth hot cross bun flavour ripple, complete with fresh Australian cream.
“It’s clear that many of our customers love getting their hands on hot cross buns as soon as they can and our team of expert bakers right around the country are excited to be beginning their annual baking of fresh, hot and tasty hot cross buns to meet the January demand,” Woolworths head baker Ben Thompson said.
“There’s no doubt of their ever-growing popularity and we’re taking it up a notch this year with the introduction of our new Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Ice Cream,” Thompson said. “It’s perfect for summer, perfect for sharing and is a perfect accompaniment when enjoyed with any of our traditional hot cross buns.”
A six-pack of Woolworths traditional hot cross buns is $3.50 and the new limited-edition Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Ice Cream is $4.70 for one litre.
