Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer

Thinking outside the box with its offerings has seen a Riverland butcher distinguished with major state awards.

Riverland Country Style Meats, based in Renmark, received two gold medals at the recent 2024 Regional and State Sausage King Awards.

Operator Brett Gebhardt said he and wife Sue were particularly proud to again be highlighted for their pies.

“We won two South Australian golds,” Mr Gebhardt said.

“One was for our gourmet burgers, where we got first and third in the gourmet section, and then we got first and third for our pies in the value added section.

“The lamb shank pie was first, and the mango chicken pie got third. Sue has retained the glory for her pies, and she’s had that for about five years in a row now.” 

Mr Gebhardt said providing a variety of meat cuts and unique smallgoods was a key to the business’s ongoing success.

“People like having different things all the time… so we like to make all different value-added products,” he said.

“You have to be diverse and change things up as much as possible.” 

Mr Gebhardt said he was currently planning new products and flavours for the summer season.

“I don’t want to let any cats out of the bag, but especially coming into summer I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve.” he said.

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 14 August 2024.