Five of Hastings Co-op’s Bago Bluff condiments have scooped gold, silver and bronze medals in the prestigious Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards again this year, capping off a dream run for the rapidly growing range.
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The good news comes hot on the heels of winning the Local Produce category of the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards just last week.
Chief executive officer Allan Gordon said the gold medals were awarded for the hugely popular caramelised balsamic vinegar and orange infused olive oil, while the marmalade scored silver and tomato relish and lemon infused olive oil won bronze medals.
The Bago Bluff range, which showcases the best locally-grown produce and raw ingredients, was only introduced to our shelves in February 2016 and picked up seven medals at last year’s Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards.
“The Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards are hotly-contested national awards judged by a panel of respected judges against all the characteristics that distinguish great food – taste, quality ingredients and value for money,” Mr Gordon said.
“We are thrilled that Bago Bluff can compete proudly on the national stage, but these medals are also a testament to all the local producers who help make Bago Bluff.”
Mr Gordon explained that the Bago Bluff dream was born from a passion to offer a range of quality condiments that showcase the best locally-grown produce and raw ingredients. It also utilises local manufacturing, which benefits the local economy and employment.
“With the aim of promoting and encouraging excellence in the Australian food industry, the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards provide a quality benchmarking system that enables fine food producers to assess the quality of their products against their contemporaries and competitors.
“Our performance to date in the the highly-competitive condiments market augers well for Hastings Co-op’s plans to expand the range outside the Hastings,” he said.
The 10-piece Bago Bluff range is currently available at all Hastings Co-op IGA Supermarkets, Department Stores, Stirling Green Café and Comboyne Rural Store.
There is also a growing list of local restaurants adding Bago Bluff to their menus, including Rydges Port Macquarie, Wauchope Country Club and Oasis by the River Café and Restaurant.
