THE owners of Tathra Oysters have attended the Sydney Royal Easter Show, spreading the good word about Bega Valley oysters.
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These days business is good as people in the city are falling in love with Tathra Oysters, whose produce is shipped to restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne where they can fetch up to $6 per oyster.
“Oysters on the Far South Coast really are the sought after oyster,” co-owner Gary Rodely said.
He and his wife Jo were invited to the Royal Easter Show to participate in four “Talk and Taste” sessions with “Fast Ed” of Better Homes and Gardens and ABC 702 radio’s Simon Marnie.
Paired with McLeish Estate and their semillon the Rodelys discussed their business as well as matching oysters with wine.
The Rodelys also had an oyster-opening competition with Mr Marnie, which Mr Rodely won – but only just.
“[Mr Marnie] is a fast opener, he almost got me,” Mr Rodely said with a laugh.
Tathra Oysters were invited to give the talks as they recently won two gold and two silver medals, as well as being named the Sydney rock oyster champion, at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.
This year, they supplied the De Costi Wine and Oyster Bar in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome with oysters, which is something they’ve wanted to do for years, Mr Rodely said.
Attending the show gave the Rodelys a chance to communicate what they do and to promote the name of Tathra Oysters.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to get the name out there, and doing these opportunities and participating with social media - the name snowballs along,” Mr Rodely said.
“We’ve had what I like to describe a ‘perfect storm’ of an oyster season.
“We’ve managed to dodge a lot of the big rains, and we are the only farmers who like a bit of dry weather.
“It means the oysters get fat early in the season, and because there has been no big rainfall they stayed fat.
“Coupled with a nice, mild summer it’s been a beautiful oyster season on the Far South Coast.”
Tathra Oysters have been involved with the Royal Easter Show since oysters were first accepted in 2001, and they have won the championship 12 times since.
Mr and Ms Rodely are returning to the show to be presented with their championship ribbon on Tuesday.
Do you have a story to share about the Sydney Royal Easter Show? Email your details to ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au