Customers in shock as Woolies release hot cross buns early

Christmas is hardly over and Easter is still months away, but Woolworths has decided to release the Easter favourite, hot cross buns, today.

The retail giant made the announcement on Facebook, where shocked customers had mixed feelings about the new additions to the shelves.

However, in acknowledgement of the fact that many people are still basking in their Christmas holiday lull, Woolworths announced a new hot cross bun flavoured ice cream, made up of raisins, a hot cross bun flavour ripple and 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.

However, customers were in two mins about the early release online, with some applauding the store and other slamming them.

“Ridiculous Christmas is hardly over Easter still months away,” one person said.

“Woolworths – too early. Sell fruit buns instead of using the marketing gimmick of a cross to try to promote. Yes they are in demand, so are the Boxing Day events but do we do that every day of the year? No. Keep some traditions,” another customer said.

The comments continued, with one person saying that it puts a lot of pressure on parents when their kids see them and another person said it ‘ruins the excitement’ of Easter.

Others were delighted with the announcement, with some people saying they could eat hot cross buns all year round.

“Who is complaining about hot cross buns and Easter eggs being available in January? We’ve got months to pig out on both, I see that as a win!,” one happy shopper said.

“Would you consider selling them year round with something other than the cross on them? How about a skull for Halloween, Christmas tree for Christmas and maybe a cricket bat for Australia Day!” another person said.

While Woolies has decided to shake things up this year by introducing a new hot cross bun flavour ice-cream to the mix, the traditional hot cross buns remain a firm favourite with customers, accounting for 60 per cent of sales.

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