Three producers from the region have secured gold medals and national recognition in the 2020 Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
Sutton Grange’s Holy Goat Cheese, Tellurian Fruit Gardens of Harcourt and Tooborac’s McIvor Farm Foods have all been named in the honours that celebrate the country’s new, innovative, native and outstanding produce.
Holy Goat Cheese won ‘From the Dairy’ gold for its Brigid’s Well, which is described as “ash covered, with a wrinkly rind, creamy texture and amazing depth of flavour”. It is one of Holy Goat’s earliest cheeses, crafted since 2007.
For McIvor Farm Foods it was their Berkshire free-range pork that was a standout to win ‘From the Paddock’ gold, while Tellurian Fruit Gardens took home gold in the ‘From the Earth’ honours for its certified organic fruit.
Seventeen trophies were awarded, and 61 producers received gold medals, by some of Australia’s most renowned chefs including Guillaume Brahimi, Peter Gilmore, Matt Moran, Neil Perry, Danielle Alvarez and Colin Fassnidge, with winners across four major categories.
BIG WIN FOR BENDIGO
The Bendigo region is also celebrating with its first-ever food industry award win, taking out the ‘Outstanding Region’ award.
The awards’ national judging panel included the likes of Maggie Beer, Alla Wolf-Tasker, Shannon Bennett, Andrew McConnell and Christine Manfield.
City of Greater Bendigo’s director of strategy and growth, Bernie O’Sullivan, said the award confirmed the Bendigo region as an outstanding culinary destination.
It has been nearly a year since Bendigo and the broader region, including Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges, was announced as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
“In that time we have seen our visitors and community seek out unique experiences and products, and we have seen our industry deliver in spades and continue to raise the region’s profile and reputation,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We have also seen a rise in the creation of artisan products, which residents and visitors are increasingly looking for, and a focus on developing a healthy and sustainable food system, which is a goal of our City of Gastronomy designation.”
Delicious editorial director Kerrie McCallum said it was important to acknowledge Australia’s best produce and the people behind it.
“Following drought, bushfires, flood, then scaling back production due to COVID-19, there’s never been a more important time to acknowledge just how hard Australian farmers, fishermen and artisans work at their craft,” she said.
“Congratulations to all of our winners who delivered outstanding produce for this year’s judging.”
