Australia’s two major supermarket chains say they will change the date on which hot-cross buns first appear on their shelves each year.

Both Coles and Woolworths reported negative consumer feedback after the traditional Easter treats were made available from Boxing Day last year.

“We’re not sure why some customers complained about it being too early to sell the buns because technically any day after Christmas is in the lead-up to Easter,” said spokesperson for Woolworths, Peter Foster. (below)

“Besides, the buns will not be on the shelves for the entirety of that period. To prove just how cut-throat and competitive the supermarket sector is in Australia we’ll be replacing them with our unique Woolworths Valentine’s Day Buns (below left) for the next few weeks, but hot-cross buns (below right) will return from 15 February,” he said.

Coles said it had experienced similar feedback and its stores would also temporarily suspend sales of the bakery items in coming weeks.

“We’re not sure why some customers complained about it being too early to sell the buns because technically any day after Christmas is in the lead-up to Easter,” said spokesperson for Coles, Peta Foster. (below)

“Besides, the buns will not be on the shelves for the entirety of that period. To prove just how cut-throat and competitive the supermarket sector is in Australia we’ll be replacing them with our unique Coles Valentine’s Day buns (below left) for the next few weeks but hot-cross buns (below right) will return from 15 February,” he said.

Both spokespersons denied the Valentine’s Day buns were merely hot-cross buns displayed at a 45-degree angle.

“No, they are buns made especially for Woollies with a big X or kiss on them, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day,” Mr Foster said.

Coles also denied any similarity with hot-cross buns, with Ms Foster saying: “No, they are buns made especially for Coles with a big X or kiss on them, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.”

Both Mr Foster and Ms Foster said in future years the day on which hot-cross buns first appeared on supermarket shelves in readiness for Easter would be brought forward, but the specific date would change each year.

Both said this year hot-cross buns would be available from Tuesday 22 April.

Want to be alerted immediately a new blog hits Australia’s longest running and most offensive satire site? Simply click on the Follow sign or the link below to be emailed new yarns the moment they are uploaded! The very second we go far too far – and trust us we will – you can then quickly unfollow via the three dots!

Follow The Bug Online on WordPress.com