Victorian food producers big winners at RASV Fine Food Awards

Posted by AFN Staff Writers on 5th March 2013

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has awarded five champion trophies to food producers Australia-wide as part of the inaugural ‘Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards’ Autumn Program. The awards recognise the leading boutique producers, regional specialists and commercial manufacturers.

The program, which received 284 entries, recognises and promotes Australia’s finest produce in four new categories: Bread and Baked Goods, Pantry Goods, Packaging, and Cider Perry.

Of the 138 medals awarded overall, fine food producers from Victoria were awarded 78 medals, while New South Wales took out 27 and Queensland 19. South Australia won eight medals, Tasmania five, and Western Australia one.

In the Bread and Baked Goods category, champion trophies were awarded to Rustica Sourdough Bakery (VIC) for ‘Passionfruit Curd Filled Tart’ and Sweetness The Patisserie (NSW) for ‘Gluten Free Caramel Tart’.

Three champion trophies were awarded in the Pantry Goods category, with Liv Luv Gourmet Foods and Robinvale Estate (VIC) taking out champion cereal or muesli for ‘Fine and Sunny Granola’, while Neumos Produce (VIC) won champion nut product for ‘Goulburn Valley Hazelnuts’.

Champion salt or spice was awarded to The Natural Spice Company (VIC) for ‘La Baobab, Noccas, West African Paste’.

The Regimental Condiment Company received a packaging champion trophy for ‘The Officer’s Tasting Tin’.

Five silver medals were awarded in the Cider and Perry category, presented to Vok Beverages (SA) for ‘Three Oaks Cider’, Henry of Harcourt (VIC) for ‘Kingston Black’, Napoleone and Co. Cider (VIC) for ‘Methode Traditionnelle Apple Cider’ and ‘Pear Cider’ and Little Creatures Brewing (VIC) for ‘Pipsqueak Cider’. There were no champion trophies or gold medals awarded in this category.

“The RASV is delighted to acknowledge superlative produce with the Autumn Program, and is proud to support Australian producers and offer unique marketing opportunities,” said Mark O’Sullivan, RASV CEO.

Conducted bi-annually by the RASV, the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards is Australia’s premier fine food awards, promoting and celebrating excellence across the industry.

Trophies for the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards’ Autumn Program will be presented at a presentation luncheon during the Royal Melbourne Show on Monday, 23 September 2013.