Fiona Whatley is the general operator of Springhill Farm, an innovative company that produces and sells Australian-made slice products.
Reflecting on the company’s history, Fiona reminisces on the story of her mother who founded the company. “As you may know my Mum, Jo (Jojo to her 7 grandkids) started Springhill Farm over 35 years ago. It all began because school kids would regularly visit my parents’ farm and while Dad (Ray to his mates) gave them the full ‘farm experience’; think collecting hay bale rides and milking the goat, Mum wanted to give them something to eat that they could connect back to what they had learnt that day.”
Contrary to the current image of muesli slice, back in the day, muesli slice was in vogue (literally, the slice was featured in Vogue). Word got around about Jojo and her delicious slice, and soon she and her partner, Ray, were baking full time.
While Jojo isn’t in the kitchen as much anymore in an official capacity, she is well known to whip up a slice or a scone or two for guests, the postman, any farmhands, tradies; anyone who may stop past the farm. “Growing up I loved being a taste tester. It made sense then, that when I grew up, I would somehow be involved in the business. James (my husband) and I have officially been at the helm of the Springhill Farm brand for over 10 years.
“Today, although our operations have expanded considerably, we are still based in country Victoria, and still creating delicious treats that wouldn’t be out of place in Mum’s farmhouse kitchen.”
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