Territory business smashes barra records this Easter

Meet the Territory business serving local barra to families across the nation this Good Friday. Read the details.

Humpty Doo Barramundi Farm owners Bob Richards (right) and his son, chief executive officer Dan Richards (left). SUPPLIED

On the banks of the croc-infested Adelaide River sits the biggest producer of barramundi in Australia — Humpty Doo Barramundi.

“We have a croc fence to keep them out, but when they do get in we catch them and send them to Crocodylus Park,” chief executive and next generation in the family business Dan Richards said.

“Crocs love barra inside and outside the farm, if they do get in there they become fat as butter.

“They do enjoy a barramundi feast.”

Humpty Doo Barramundi owner-operators Dan Richards (left) and his dad Bob Richards, pictured at their family business outside Darwin.

Crocodiles and Australians alike love barra, with Mr Richards telling the NT News his company has sent out a record 222 tonnes of barramundi across Australia for Good Friday this week.

“All credit to our team who’ve been caring for the fish for two years,” he said.

“Roughly 200,000 fish will be served up this Easter.

“This is the biggest week in the history of barramundi in Australia.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley with the team from Humpty Doo Barramundi.

Humpty Doo Barramundi has become a national brand after 32 years.

“We supply top Australian retailers such as Sushi Izu, Qantas business class and lounges, Woolworths and Costco,” he said.

“We also send our fish to high value markets in Asia, such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

“Asian markets have a taste for our high value premium product.”

Using fresh local produce Madame Za chefs have created steamed Humpty Doo Barramundi marinated in a Chinese mandarin paste. Picture: Supplied

Mr Richards said his company also gave back to the community through programs such as Scale Them Up and assisting in the aquaculture developments of Wadeye.

“Scale Them Up is a youth development program that helps kids at local schools to complete year 12 and get a certificate three in aquaculture,” he said.

Scale Them Up participants learn vital skills in the aquaculture sector.

“School’s not for everybody so it’s important to give them the opportunity to succeed in other avenues.”

Humpty Doo Barramundi is a family business that began in 1993.

“We started off with just family and volunteers and have since grown to a team of 150 people,” Mr Richards said.

“We’re now one of the largest agriculture businesses in the Territory.

“It’s our home, so we’re very committed to the success of the Territory long-term.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the success was a reminder the NT’s seafood industry punched well above its weight.

“This kind of result doesn’t happen by accident, it’s driven by the grit, passion and determination of the Humpty Doo Barramundi team, and highlights the strength of the NT seafood sector,” he said.

“Our seafood industry is worth over $122 million and supports more than 900 full-time jobs across the Territory.

“This Easter, I encourage everyone to buy local seafood and support the hardworking Territorians behind our world-class industry.”

Originally published as Territory business smashes barra records this Easter