Early Easter buns crossed out for some

Hastings Countdown checkout 2IC Chad Thompson shows off the hot cross buns on sale in store two months before Easter. PHOTO / DUNCAN BROWN

An Easter favourite is causing debate among the region's bakers.

Hot cross buns are already stacked on supermarket shelves but local bakeries believe it is far too early.

One baker compared the January hot cross bun production to eating Christmas cake in July, saying it's not normal.

Jackson's Bakery owner, Neville Jackson felt the novelty would wear off if they started production two months out from the day.

"We won't begin until late February, early March," said Mr Jackson. "We have had no one asking for hot cross buns." Heavens Bakery was on the same page and won't begin producing until closer to Easter.

Meanwhile, a Countdown spokeswoman said "it is not unusual to see these popular Easter foods on the shelves at the same time each year, in early January."

Both Countdown and Hastings Pakn'Save said hot cross buns were one of their most popular items in the lead up to Easter, and supported the early production decisions.
"We sell millions of hot cross buns and they are in hot demand right from the time they go on sale," said a Countdown spokeswoman.

Hastings Pakn'Save store owner, Brendon Smith said, "it is what the customers want, as they love them."

Allegations about Countdown beginning baking early to use up the old Christmas mince mix for the buns was defended by the spokeswoman.

"The mix used was not the same and was completely different."

Although Hastings New World haven't stocked their shelves with the popular Easter treat, store manager Dan Shaw said it would not be far off.

"We are probably looking at a couple of weeks away."

Whether it is too early or not, customers who welcomed the January hot cross bun faze are in luck, with a few months to go yet.