delicious. has announced the winners of the 2022 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
The 2022 Produce Awards focus on Australia’s best producers – the people who grow, cultivate, harvest and catch the produce supplied to the country’s leading chefs and hospitality venues.
A total of 18 trophies were awarded by the National Judging panel, which includes some of Australia’s most renowned chefs, including Josh Niland, Lennox Hastie, Matt Stone, Jo Barrett, Matt Moran, Andrew McConnell, Peter Gilmore and Alla Wolf-Tasker, with winners across four major categories – Dairy, Earth, Paddock and Sea.
delicious. editorial director Kerrie McCallum said: “For 17 years, delicious. has unearthed the best, most ethical and sustainable produce and producers in the country, along with the best regions, artisans, vintners and innovators.
“We rely on a 50-strong collective of judges, top chefs and experts around the country who lend us their time to seek out and recommend the best produce in the land, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their time, passion and expertise.
“We are also incredibly thankful to have a partner like Harvey Norman, who has collaborated with delicious. and supported Australian producers for the past four years. Their contribution and recognition is essential in getting this national program off the ground each year, spearheaded by Gerry Harvey, who is a passionate farmer and firm believer in the farm-to-table ethos.
“Much of the produce you see will dictate restaurant menus around the country for the year to come, and it’s vital to give these growers, fishers and farmers this recognition. Congratulations to all of our outstanding winners, who toil long and hard to bring this #producetoyou.”
Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey said: “Great food experiences, at home or in restaurants, start with the best produce. Australia is blessed with an abundance of the world’s most exceptional producers: from vegie growers to those tending livestock or harvesting fresh seafood. It is this diversity of talent that translates into flavour, as producers – especially those recognised as part of the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards – are increasingly ensuring their production techniques are seasonal, sustainable and innovative.
“We are proud to partner with delicious. on this important program that recognises and celebrates exceptional talent in Australia’s food production industry.”
The overall Producer of the Year Award, presented by Harvey Norman, was awarded to Rocky Point Aquaculture from QLD.
Matt Moran said: “I feel so proud to be part of these Awards. Each year, I’m blown away by the quality of produce that we taste. It is vital that we acknowledge and support our Australian producers who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding produce.
“This year’s Producer of the Year, Rocky Point Aquaculture, impressed us with their world-class sustainability practices and the top quality produce that these practices are resulting in.”
The expert Governing Board includes Awards Patron Maggie Beer, Christine Manfield, Guillaume Brahimi, Shannon Bennett, Colin Fassnidge, Martin Benn, Vicki Wild, Ross Lusted, Sunny Lusted, Neil Perry, Kylie Kwong and Mike Bennie.
The Governing Board oversees the decisions of the awards, including In the Bottle (Alcoholic); In the Bottle (No-Lo); Outstanding Viticulturist; Outstanding Innovation; Outstanding Design; Outstanding Native Producer; Outstanding Region; Outstanding Artisan; Unearthed Next-Gen Chef; Unearthed Next-Gen Producer; Outstanding Farmers’ Market (Readers’ Choice); Outstanding Farmers’ Market Community Initiative and the Maggie Beer Award for Outstanding Contribution to Australian Food.
The full list of winners will feature in the September issue of delicious. and is available here.