Local Aussie food news: November highlights

Making local Aussie food news in November.

Harvest is well underway as agricultural celebrations take place, Grampians Olive Co. wins big, and South Australian producers are celebrated. Summer Chrissy shopping ideas and the markets to go to snap up a local Aussie gift for loved ones.

From the farm gate…

Harvest is well underway in most cropping regions and is progressing at a rapid rate. So much so, it may even guarantee a Christmas holiday for local Aussie growers and farmers this year.

This year AgDay celebrated all things agriculture from what we grow to the people across the supply chain and more. With the “Grow you Good Thing” slogan we can continue to celebrate the incredible food and fibre Aussie farmers grow by sharing the has tag #GrowYouGoodThing. Consumers can also stay in touch and learn more about Australia’s amazing food and fibre by following the @AustralianFarmers social channels and subscribing to the monthly newsletter at farmers.org.au.

The Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council also celebrated Whole Grain Week. This year’s national and international campaign is focused on encouraging the whole family to eat whole grains.  Whole grains contain silo-loads of nutrients, including protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, vitamin E and B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc. They’re also a sustainable food source. Whole grains provide more food for less waste, require less water than vegetables or beef, and can feed more people with less land.

Queen Vic Market has announced the return of the highly anticipated Summer Night Market, set to make waves every Wednesday night until March 13^th. From 5pm to 10pm each Wednesday, the Market’s iconic open-air sheds will fill with the sights, sounds and scents of summer with more than 100 traders – over 45 street food stalls; 6 festival bars; and more than 50 market stalls.

Also making local Aussie food news in November, Australian food safety week highlighted some interesting research. According to the data, four in ten Australians grow their own fruit and veggies, but 40 percent take a risk not protecting their gardens from animal poop!

And the winner is…

Grampians Olive Co. has won two Gold medals and been awarded Champion Best in Class at the recent 2023 Australian International Olive Awards. Grampians Olive Co’s limited release cloudy olive oil ‘Olio Nuovo Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ which is pressed from the first green olives of the season and only available at harvest time each year was presented with a Gold medal award. The olive grove’s original and most popular olive oil ‘Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ was also awarded with a Gold medal.

In further awards news Grampians Olive Co. took home a Gold medal, a Silver medal, and a Trophy at this year’s Australian Golden Olive Awards. The olive grove’s ‘Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ also won a Trophy for Best Oil From Heritage Trees at the Australian Golden Olive Awards which is now in its 25^th year. 

The 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards has announced a delicious bunch of winners at the annual Gala Dinner event in November. Businesses were recognised for their exceptional accomplishments and contribution to the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Yumbah Aquaculture, Haigh’s Chocolates, and the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co were among some of the top local Aussie producers recognised. For more information or to view the list of finalists, visit www.safoodawards.com.au.

Entries have officially opened to the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards – the nation’s pinnacle recognition awards programme that celebrates the achievements and considerable economic, social and cultural contribution of the millions of small business operators from right across the country. Featuring more than 100 categories, including fresh food, butchery and other food and drink-related categories, this year marks the 26^th consecutive year of the Awards. For more information and to submit an entry form, visit: businesschampions.com.au.

Local Aussie Chrissy gifts…

Food waste startup Good & Fugly has launched two food-waste-fighting Christmas gift and entertainer boxes ahead of the impending silly season.

Good & Fugly Xmas Fruit Box: Good & Fugly’s curated Xmas Fruit Box is a tasty seasonal selection of locally sourced fruits that will make the perfect addition to any charcuterie board or fruit platter this festive season.

Good & Fugly Ultimate Food Saver Fruit Box: the Ultimate Food Saver Fruit Box amplifies the flavours and the food waste impact featuring a seasonal Xmas Fruit Box plus a range of goodies. Sunny Times Raw Honey and Worthy Cause’s Chunky Choc Chip Cookies are packaged alongside the award-winning Veggie Saver pouch and The Food Saver’s A-Z book – a jam-packed guide to storing, using up and making the most of every ingredient in your kitchen. Good & Fugly’s Box options and gift cards are available via their website

The Chilli Factory, has just released two new chilli oils; The Chilli Factory Red Belly Venom and The Chilli Factory Daintree Drizzle. The Chilli Oils come in two heat levels, hot and medium, catering to the spice lover and the more casual chilli user. Red Belly Venom, is infused with one of the world’s hottest chillies, the Carolina Reaper. Daintree Drizzle is a milder option infused with a combination of mild chillies to add a slight chilli kick and lots of fruity flavours. The chilli oils are made in Australia, using Australian-grown produce. For more information visit www.thechillifactory.com.

Byron Bay Chilli Co.’s award-winning chilli sauces are now even tastier as Bundaberg Rum adds its distinctive flavour to three new BBQ sauces. The new sauces include Bundaberg Classic Rum BBQ Sauce, Bundaberg Coconut Rum BBQ Sauce, and a Bundaberg Chipotle Rum BBQ Sauce. Using all natural ingredients, Byron Bay Chilli Co. prides itself on providing delicious, healthy, wholesome food, perfect for entertaining and enjoying throughout the year. All products are gluten and preservative-free. Buy direct via the website.

The rise in cocoa prices to unprecedented highs has led local chocolatier, Melbourne Cocoa, to join forces with everyone’s favourite, red-nosed reindeer to craft an artisan selection of Christmas Chocolate. The limited-edition range includes an Eggnog Block, Plum Pudding Block, Dark Raspberry Kisses, and Milk Raspberry Kisses as red as Rudolph’s nose. Melbourne Cocoa x Rudolph limited edition Christmas collection is available online at melbournecocoa.com.au.

And for loads of other great gift ideas, just head to your local Farmers’ Markets. A visit to one of your local farmers’ markets isn’t just an opportunity to source quality fresh local produce and Chrissy gifts. It is also a chance to get out and meet friends, enjoy some great food and a good chat, browse the various stalls; maybe even listen to some live music. It is a pleasurable way to shop for farm-fresh, healthy food. It’s also a rewarding way to connect with the local community. To find a market near you, go to the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association website.

Also in local Aussie food this month…

In November EATIVITY revealed why potatoes don’t deserve their bad reputation, we showcased the best in-season summer seafood, and shared the best way to ham it up this Christmas. The Victorian cherry season has also officially kicked off which means it’s time to hit the Victorian Cherry Trail to support local farmers and enjoy a fun day out. We also met a Mullumbimby sauce maker who’s spreading the word about local food systems.

Want to keep up to date with all the latest Australian food news and discover new local Aussie food producers? Of course you do! Just sign up for our monthly newsletter in the box below. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for more Australian food stories news to inspire you next month.