TATHRA’s nationally-renowned and much-celebrated oysters are again being considered among the country’s most delicious.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The ABC Delicious Produce Awards have marked their biggest year yet, receiving a record 3110 nominations from around the country.
Gary and Jo Rodely’s bistro grade Tathra Oysters are once again being considered among the finalists in the From the Sea category – the category they won last year.
Mr Rodely said last year’s win “blew us away”, but with this season producing “the best oysters we’ve ever grown”, fingers are crossed for next month’s announcement.
Potential success in the Delicious magazine’s produce awards would come hot on the heels of their three gold medals and “Champion of the Show” result at the Sydney Fine Food Show earlier this year.
“People really raise their eyebrows [at all the awards],” Mr Rodely said.
“But the proof is in the pudding.
“We’ve had our biggest year ever.
“Restaurant business is up considerably – in years to come our expansion is in the unopened market.
“But we still love the shop - getting customer feedback and supporting people who have supported us for many years.
“People around here take great pride in Tathra Oysters’ achievements.”
While the Rodelys are the only Far South Coast producers in the running for a prestigious Delicious award, Gary had some sage advice for others looking for similar recognition.
“To do well at these things you can’t cut any corners,” he said.
“Whatever you’re producing, concentrate on producing the best and rewards will follow.
“It’s the nice thing about accolades – they recognise you are putting in the extra effort.”
Mr Rodely said the benefits of awards such as the Delicious Produce Awards include getting recognition beyond the local area and the promotional flow-on effect to producers such as Tathra Oysters.
“It feeds off itself – I liken it to a snowball rolling down a hill.
“Foodies tend to be a gregarious lot and they tell their mates.”
A team of leading chefs has identified the stand-out producers that make up this year’s finalists – announced on Wednesday with the publication of the July issue of Delicious and online at deliciousproduceawards.com.au.
The panel of national judges and industry experts has decided on the standouts in the four food categories – From the Earth, Dairy, Paddock and Sea – with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Both primary producers and artisan producers working with their region’s best are recognised.
“These awards are so important, not just for the producers, but also for the public,” said awards patron Maggie Beer.
“The produce submitted to this year’s awards has been the best yet.”
The winners of the Delicious Produce Awards 2013 will be announced in the August issue of Delicious - on sale July 17.