The finalists for the 2012 delicious. Produce Awards have been announced in the July issue of ABC delicious. magazine.
Nearly 2000 nominations were received this year. Products were judged by a panel of leading chefs in each state, and their shortlist of finalists will now go forward to the next round. Our five primary produce national judges will decide on the standouts in each category – Earth, Dairy, Paddock and Sea – with a focus on quality and sustainability. This year also sees the return of the Artisan category, with a panel of three judges assessing great products created using regional produce. The judging has uncovered an abundance of quality from some of Australia’s top producers and artisans.
“We received an overwhelming response from producers across the country and an unprecedented number of nominations for the 2012 awards,” says Trudi Jenkins, delicious. magazine editor-in-chief. “Despite the hugely challenging conditions that many producers have faced again this year, submissions have doubled and have included exciting new products and produce such as wasabi flowers, log-grown shiitake mushrooms, Buffalo haloumi, and ice pops made from locally sourced and organic ingredients.
“delicious is proud to continue to support and recognise our Australian producers who are such an important part of our thriving food industry.”
Since launching in 2005, the delicious. Produce Awards have encouraged, showcased and rewarded Australian producers, building awareness of culinary regions and recognising fresh, seasonal food that is produced with integrity. Now in their seventh year, the Produce Awards have received growing support from producers, chefs and readers, reinforcing the increased demand for information about quality Australian produce.
The national judging panel comprises some of Australia’s most respected chefs, including:
- Matt Moran (ARIA Restaurant, NSW & QLD)
- Philip Johnson (E’cco Bistro, QLD)
- Cheong Liew(The Botanical, VIC)
- Alla Wolf-Tasker (The Lake House, VIC)
- Maggie Beer (Patron of the Produce Awards, SA)
- Simon Marnie (Presenter of Weekends, 702 ABC Sydney) – Artisan Judge
- Martin Boetz (Longrain Sydney, Longrain Melbourne) – Artisan Judge
- Valli Little (Food Director, delicious. Magazine) – Artisan Judge
The winners of the 2012 delicious. Produce Awards will be announced in the August issue of delicious. magazine, released on July 18, 2012.
If you would like to talk to this year’s finalists, the state judges or past winners to learn more about what they do and how the awards have impacted their business, please contact SBPR.
