EXTRA virgin olive oil from the Upper Lachlan, rhubarb and strawberry tarts from Bowral, and Sydney Rock Oysters from Tathra are three of the fine foods awarded at the 2019 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show Taste of Excellence Awards.
There were 24 champion trophies awarded from more than 1800 entries across nine categories to New South Wales producers by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
Upper Lachlan Shire's Alto Olives produced Champion Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil for its Alto Vividus.
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Wagga-Wagga's Kallewanda Pastoral Company's produced Champion Boutique Extra Virgin Olive Oil for W20 - Hardy's Mammoth. And Forbes' Gibson Grove produced Champion Olives for its Gibson Grove Ligurian Style Olives.
The olive grove established in Crookwell in 1999 has proved to be an ideal site for numerous varieties.
Each has been chosen for particular attributes: suitability to climate, oil yields, quality and consistency.
"It is especially pleasing that our 20-year commitment and quality olive products are recognised by our industry peers," owner Robert Armstrong said.
He said Alto Vividus was a true representation of the Great Dividing Range.
Despite the current adversities our farmers are facing, local producers continue to persevere and deliver outstanding quality time and time again.
- Lachlan Bowtell
"It is the true expression of our pristine elevated grove in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, a select site enjoying an ideal cool climate," he said.
Sydney Royal Fine Food committee chair, Lachlan Bowtell, said consumers should be proud of the outstanding products in Australia.
"We have some of the best produce in the world," he said.
"This year's Show again demonstrated that despite the current adversities our farmers are facing, local producers continue to persevere and deliver outstanding quality time and time again.
"Australians should be proud of their local producers and the standards they adhere to."
The award adds to the plethora of achievements for this varietal. It has also been awarded the 2019 Best in Class at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, and a silver medal in Japan this year.
Alto's Alto Robust extra virgin olive oil, Alto Delicate received a gold medal, their Icebergs Blend, and Ice Blend a silver.
