PORT Fairy farmers, wholesalers, restaurants and accommodation providers have found the recipe to promote Port Fairy’s produce and cuisine industries.
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The formation of Gourmet Port Fairy has brought together Port Fairy businesses including Shaw River Buffalo, Basalt Wines, Pantry Door Cafe, Merrijig Inn, Slitti Chocolate and Basalt Beef, with new members welcome.
Premier and member for South West Coast Denis Napthine launched the new food group on Saturday, praising the district’s artisan producers and highlighting a long history of food production.
“We are spoilt for choice in Port Fairy and district, with everything from abalone farms and buffalo cheese to chocolates, wineries and great local cafes,” he said.
“Port Fairy is well known for its art and culture, including the Folk Festival and Winter Weekends, and great galleries, and now we can showcase its other great asset — food and produce.”
Dr Napthine said the new group was an ideal way for local businesses and producers to promote their product and the region.
Gourmet Port Fairy president Shane Clancey said the new artisan food group was a collaboration of passionate local food producers, restaurants and cafes. “Port Fairy has been a mecca for foodies for a number of years,” he said.
“The idea is to use Port Fairy as a vehicle to help promote the food scene, but also to help nurture new producers to take that step to plant that orchard or berry farm because I can see Gourmet Port Fairy can help me find markets or restaurants for my products. If we can all work as a larger community — the growers, the retailers, the consumers — I think we can attract some good mileage.
“Tourism Victoria are really passionate; they can see this is a really strong vehicle to promote our region through food and wine.”
Dr Napthine said the group was working on developing a Port Fairy gourmet food trail similar to one which has been established in the Timboon and Port Campbell region.
“There is a real potential to link all those producers and businesses together to showcase our unique region and their wonderful produce while creating a terrific tourism experience.”