Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture’s Cooked Black Tiger Prawns U10 were named Champion Prawn Exhibit at the 2009 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. From this, the company was nominated as a finalist in the unique President’s Medal, which is judged on a whole-of-company approach to production and marketing of their Champion product.
Judges Simon Marnie (ABC Radio) and Scott Davenport (NSW Department of Primary Industries Chief Economist) will visit Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture’s operation to evaluate the producer’s financial, social and environmental performance in their manufacturing and marketing processes.
Farm Manager Darrell Herbst believes the passion in the company to make the product as good as it can get, sets them apart. “We are constantly innovating to improve the way we operate, with a big focus on sustainability and quality,” Mr Herbst said.
“Breeding the prawns ourselves means not having to catch wild stock, as well as making supply more reliable and the end product more consistent. People should be able to come back next week, next month, or next year and get prawns with the same taste, texture and appearance.”
Glenn Dudley, President of the RAS said the President’s Medal recognised the multifaceted approach to food production required in the competitive domestic and international markets. “The President’s Medal raises consumer awareness and rewards producers who use sustainable practices. Judges look at financial, social and environmental performance, market acceptance, and the passion, commitment and enthusiasm of the producer.
“This prestigious award is fitting recognition for Australia’s world class food and wine industries and I congratulate Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture on their nomination,” Mr Dudley said.
