In the lead up to Easter, Countdown’s 184 stores have been battling it out with a wooden spoon to claim the title of Countdown’s Hot Cross Bun Bakery of the Year.
After weeks of mixing, testing and tasting, Countdown Hobsonville bakery has taken out the grand title.
A panel of judges tasted their way around the country rating each batch of hot cross buns on taste, texture, glaze, spice and position of the cross, with three North Island bakery’s placing in the top four spots.
1st place – Hobsonville Countdown
2nd place – Manurewa Countdown
3rd place – Avonhead Countdown
4th place – Wanganui Countdown
In the past 2 months Kiwis have already consumed more than 1 million hot cross buns, a number expected to rise in the lead up to Easter. This year, as well as the traditional current and sultana buns, Countdown has expanded their range to include Hershey’s chocolate buns, a hot cross loaf and two new flavours: apple and spice, and chocolate and orange.
