If proof were needed that Australians are lapping up caviar like never before, consider this: Simon Johnson, the largest caviar importer in the country, has experienced 100 per cent growth over the past five years. It expects its imports this year to rise 25 per cent.

Last year's imports translated to 1.1 tonne of sturgeon roe from the world's three top producers – Sterling in Sacramento, California; Calvisius in Italy and Yasa in the United Arab Emirates.