IRYMPLE grower Peter Melton was the big winner in the Dried Fruit Quality Awards announced at the Mildura Field Days recently.
Following the ideal conditions in Sunraysia during dried grape harvest, awarding the best fruit of the season was no easy task.
Dried Fruit Australia chairman, Mark King, said processors Sunbeam Foods and Australian Premium Dried Fruits (APDF) submitted samples of their highest-quality fruit for blind judging.
“An expert panel assesses the entries on colour, size and taste,” Mr King said.
“The dried grapes coming out of Australia’s major growing areas – Sunraysia, Swan Hill and the Riverland – are always of a high standard.
“But this year the weather was very favourable to growers and we had one of our best drying seasons, resulting in excellent quality fruit.”
Five category trophies were handed out this year to recognise the growers who produced the best sultanas, currants, raisins, and new-variety grapes Sunmuscat and Sunglo.
DFA Chairman Mark King said processors Sunbeam Foods and Australian Premium Dried Fruits (APDF) submit samples of their highest quality fruit for blind judging.
Category Winners:
- Sultanas: Anthony Manno, APDF
- Currants: Peter Middleton, Sunbeam
- Raisins: Jeff and Jenny Gadsden, Sunbeam
- Sunmuscat: Peter Melton, APDF
- Sunglo: Gordon Gardner, APDF
