Dharawal Distilling Co owner Mitch Lowrie with son Banjo. Photo: Anthony Rigby-Smith.
Bellambi’s Dharawal Distilling Co and South Nowra’s Duro Pasta will showcase their homegrown creations to the world next month, after being selected to feature in the Taste The Flavours of NSW zone at Fine Food Australia expo in Sydney.
Regarded as the largest industry event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, specialist food and drink businesses were chosen to showcase their products following an expression of interest process.
Subsidies of $4500 have been provided by the NSW Government to each of the 18 unique food and beverage manufacturers selected, who will exhibit within the ‘Flavours of NSW’ zone at the trade show.
About 25,000 trade visitors from more than 50 countries will converge in Sydney from 8-11 September for the event, providing businesses with the opportunities to connect with interstate and international buyers, secure distribution partnerships and explore export markets.
Dharawal Distilling Co owner Mitch Lowrie said it was a great opportunity for his business, which opened its doors in 2023.
Mitch said the business created vodkas and gins using a network of Aboriginal foragers to source distinctive botanical ingredients from the South Coast, with additional produce collected exclusively from Indigenous businesses.
“The Fine Food Australia expo in Sydney approached us to be part of their Taste The Flavours of NSW and showcase to that event, which is amazing,” Mitch said.
“We’re really getting out there and trying to showcase what we do and what our range is.
“The spirits are great, and it’s top-shelf, really nice liquid, but the real showpiece is the story we can sell about showcasing what Aboriginal people have done for upwards and over 60,000 years through foraging and finding that now in a modern way.”
Duro Pasta, which makes pasta from 100 per cent Australian durum wheat and is produced using sustainable farming practices, will also benefit from showcasing its product at the event.
Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said Fine Food Australia was an incredible platform for our up-and-coming food and beverage manufacturers to showcase their unique products, connect with buyers, and pursue growth opportunities domestically and internationally.
Dharawal Distilling Co uses native botanicals in its spirits. Photos: Supplied.
“The NSW Government has been involved in this annual trade show for over 20 years, helping to grow our world-class food and beverage industry,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“From spirits to sauces, from jams to jerky, we’re delighted to support our exhibiting businesses and their exceptional products that are made right here in NSW.”
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said regional NSW was the engine room of the state’s agrifood industry, home to thousands of food and beverage businesses, and many more jobs.
“Our producers lead the way in terms of innovation and ingenuity, with many utilising native ingredients and sustainable ingredients to bring their products to life,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Protecting our food’s excellent reputation is critical to domestic consumption and international trade and that is a key driver for the Minns Government’s recent historic investment in biosecurity plus primary industries research and development.
“Fine Food Australia is one of the biggest trade events in the industry and is unrivalled when it comes to connecting with key players in the industry and I wish our producers all the best in promoting their goods.”
In 2023-24, NSW produced 45.6 billion revenue in the manufactured food and beverage industry, making it the largest manufacturing sector in NSW, with 4600 businesses.
Business support and trade experts from the NSW Government will be on hand to help the exhibitors showcase their products and facilitate connections with prospective buyers.
Support by the government for Fine Food Australia aligns with the manufacturing mission of the NSW Industry Policy, while agrifood is a focus sector in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy.
Fine Food Australia and its Taste The Flavours of NSW zone will be held from 8-11 September at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney.
