Springhill Farm making traditional Aussie slices
Watch the video interview with Fiona here Springhill Farm video
Springhill Farm is recreating a new brand of nine delicious Australian slices at its factory in regional Victoria.
The slices are uniquely Australian and include the top selling Lemon Slice and (GF) Rocky Road
(The Dark Chocolate slice looks and tastes very much like my mum’s Hedgehog slice!)
Springhill originally started as a children’s farm experience 30 years ago and has evolved from kitchen cooking to a contract manufacturer via daughter Fiona Whatley.
“Our ultimate compliment is when someone says it tastes just like their grandma used to make,” she said.
The business is expanding in 2021 from 20,000 slices per hour to 30,000 so it can keep up with growing demand for its products in Coles, Officeworks and independent supermarkets.
Anybody who has been to a corporate event, stayed in a hotel or booked a flight may have tasted their delicious little bite sized slices without ever realising it was made in their small factory in Ballarat.
Two years ago they started the Springhill Farm brand and managed to make it through COVID and sales are surging in 2021.
“There is definitely a real affinity in the Australian public for slices.
“We talk about bringing slices form the daggy school plate through to the modern market and really changing the perception of slices,” Fiona said.
All this while staying true to the great Aussie slice via their customers.
“The tribe” is a large group of customers that taste test and critique all their products to ensure they suit local tastes.
Fiona said a typical customer is similar to her.
“A busy working woman with children who wants a wholesome and delicious snack with a cup of tea or coffee or something yummy for the kid’s lunch boxes”.
One interesting path they are pursuing is small portion sizes.
All products are available in little “two bite” packages or can be broken down into smaller serves so portion sizes are reasonable and a “treat’.
Fiona said COVID refocused Australins on buying more locally made products and made us aware of the importance of the local supply of food.
With 60 staff in their factory Springhill Farm is a very proud Australian employer that sees how one manufacturing job creates six downstream positions.
“There is a huge flow on effect for the Australian community and I encourage people to consider that.
“Australians are making amazing products and it’s great to see them at the forefront at the moment,” Fiona said.
To maintain our amazing industries we need to keep buying local.
