Bigger doesn’t equal better, the judges decided this year, awarding Kinkawooka Shellfish Co, in South Australia, both producer of the year and winner of the from the sea, for their sweet petit bouchot mussels.

The very first Hall of Fame awards were presented out to three outstanding producers; Blackmore Wagyu Beef (VIC), Holy Goat La Luna (VIC) and Spanner Crabs Noosa (QLD). Matt Moran praised the winners for their consistent excellence.

Foraging for wild samphire is generally illegal, so Snowy River Station’s cultivated crop quickly became the go-to for succulent loving chefs, earning it best new product.

Other awards:
From the Paddock: Mondo White Rocks Veal, WA
From the Earth: Shima Wasabi Fresh Wasabi Stem and Leaves, Tas
From the Dairy: Gundowring Finest Icecream, VIC
Artisan Award: Pacdon Park Haggis, NSW
Outstanding Farmers Market: Eveleigh Farmers’ Market, NSW
Regional Award: Huon Valley, TAS
Outstanding use of regional produce by a chef: David Moyle, The Stackings at Peppermint Bay, TAS
Heritage Award: Fiona Chambers, Fernleigh Farms, VIC
Outstanding Provedore: Ian and Liz Hemphill, Herbie’s Spices
Maggie Beer award for outstanding contribution to Australian food: Neil Perry, chef/restaurateur, Rockpool