Potato grower and mobile abattoir named Delicious winners
NSW potato grower Garry Kadwell takes out Delicious Produce Awards honour, while Victorian mobile abattoir operator Provenir receives special award.
POTATO grower Garry Kadwell of Andean Sunrise Potatoes at Crookwell in NSW took out the overall Producer of the Year title in the this year’s Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards, while a raft of special awards went to producers including Victorian red meat company and mobile abattoir innovator Provenir.
Delicious editorial director Kerrie McCallum said the awards recognised the best Australian produce and the people behind it.
Chefs and leaders in the food industry were on the national judging panel, including Matt Moran, Maggie Beer, Alla Wolf-Tasker, Shannon Bennett, Andrew McConnell and Christine Manfield.
“I recently went to Garry Kadwell’s farm and saw his whole production. This product is an absolute standout — I’ve never tasted better potatoes. And the farm has a beautiful story, in an area that’s been growing potatoes for more than 100 years,” said judge Matt Moran about the overall winner.
The Outstanding Innovation, Sustainability and Community honour went to Victorian mobile abattoir and red meat brand Provenir.
Provenir operates a licenced mobile abattoir across NSW and Victoria, working with beef producers who rear grass-fed cattle and use low-stress animal handling practices.
Co-founder and beef producer Chris Balazs said eliminating stress associated with animal transportation to abattoirs to produce beef with provenance and the best eating quality was the main aim for the mobile processing business.
“This Award perfectly encompasses the vision of Provenir to disrupt the red meat industry with our innovative on-farm processing, to be environmentally conscious and support regenerative farming practices, to build a community of conscientious consumers and farmers who share a vision for highest animal welfare practices and celebrate true provenance,” he said.
Fellow co-founder Chris Howe is a chef and has been a hands-on operator in the processing unit since it started operating.
“Our entire crew are incredibly proud to have achieved the 2020 Delicious Produce Award for Outstanding Innovation, Sustainability and Community. It’s an amazing feeling taking out one of Australia’s most prestigious, and highly respected food industry awards,” he said.
The win comes less than two years since the on-farm processing company — the first of its kind in Australia — was granted a licence to operate.
After launching in NSW in June last year, legislation changes in Victoria this year paved the way for Provenir to expand operations this July.
Now in its 15th year, the Delicious Produce Awards celebrate outstanding ingredients grown, caught, sourced or produced in Australia.
As in past years, trophy winners in four main categories were announced.
Elgaar Farm organic fresh cream from Tasmania won the From The Dairy category.
Queensland’s Fruit Forest Farm seasonal tropical fruit took home the From The Earth trophy.
Western Australia’s Hamlet Pork pastured Berkshire pork was winner of From The Paddock.
Victorian Bruce Collis’s seasonal wild catch netted the From The Sea trophy.
The full list of winners and medal recipients is published in the November Delicious magazine, on sale from today.
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