Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip has once again claimed top honours at the prestigious Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, held in Merbein on Saturday.
The family-run bakery is no stranger to success, having now won the title six times since their first win in 2000. They have also won the Vanilla Slice competition at the Association of Australia’s (BAA) Baking Show once.
When they haven’t won the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph they have never been far away from the winner’s list. In 2023 they were third and in 2024 runners-up, so they were delighted to be back at number 1 this year.
Most reliable
The judges praised Sharps for their consistency, describing them as the most reliable performers in the competition, an accolade owner Kevin Sharp is particularly proud of.
“The slice you see in the competition is the same slice you see in the bakery every day,” Kevin said.
Brad highlighted the importance of both pastry and custard. “Our pastry is just beautiful and fresh and breaks in your mouth as you bite into it, so the custard does not squeeze out,” he explained. “The custard has to be light and fluffy, and the icing not sticky to touch, not too thick, but nice and sweet.”
“Spot on”
Brad said: “We actually asked the judges if there was anything we could improve, and they reckoned it was spot on so we will probably try and replicate that again next year.”
In the beginning
Sharp’s Bakery began in 1977 when Kevin and Gail Sharp opened their doors with just one shop assistant. Today, the bakery employs around 25 staff, including many local students.
Kevin and Gail’s oldest son Brad, who has been in the business for over thirty years, and his wife Tara, now manage the business, but Kevin continues to work full time. Gail has recently stepped into retirement, although she remains a guiding influence and can often be seen in the black apron.
The bakery remains a true family affair, with Brad, Kevin, and Carly working behind the scenes, supported by long time staff members such as Nick Noonan, who has been part of the Sharps team for 23 years, and Mark Darby, now a key right hand helper. Carly brings flair to the decorating, while Tara manages front of house operations and the bookkeeping.
Commitment
Beyond baking, Sharp’s Bakery is renowned for its commitment to the Birchip community. They are strong supporters of community groups and events and local sport and they provide valuable employment opportunities for people of all ages.
Many local students begin their working life at Sharp’s Bakery, and others undertake their gap year at the bakery, saving up enough money to travel or pursue their university dream. Many of these students work at the bakery throughout their university years, returning in their semester breaks to lend a hand over the busy holiday periods.
Rewarding
Kevin said watching local young people develop confidence through their work at the bakery has been one of the most rewarding aspects. “We love being part of their journey and sharing our achievements with all of our staff,” he said.
Many Mums with young children have returned to work through Sharps Bakery with many of their children growing up alongside the Sharp children in the back room of the bakery.
Vanilla slice demand
The vanilla slice is Sharps most popular sweet selling item, with around 700 sold each week, adding up to more than 35,000 a year. Following Saturday’s win, demand soared, with 250 sold before lunch on Monday alone.
With caravans passing through on their way to Broken Hill’s Mundi Mundi Music Festival, there will be plenty of detours being made through Birchip this week for people to get their hands on Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice.
As Sharp’s celebrates another national victory, the win cements their reputation as custodians of Australia’s best loved vanilla slice, a sweet success story built on family, tradition, and a commitment to quality.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 22 August 2025.
