Food & Beverages

Coonawarra Vignerons. The 2025 Coonawarra Vintage was declared open in smashing fashion on March 5th, with a crowd of over 80 people gathering at the iconic Coonawarra Siding to herald in the new season.

A transition from the health sector to making beer might seem a quantum leap but Frank Evans thought it was time for him to indulge his passion while he had the opportunity. "After leaving the health care industry, I wanted something to keep me busy for at least the next five years. And beer seemed like a great idea!"

Madison Eastmond. The Riverland Food and Wine Festival took over the Berri riverfront for the first time in six years last weekend, with the showcase selling out and returning with zero behavioural issues. With tickets completely sold out before the 12noon start-time, the revamped day-long festival focused on local produce, wine, and entertainment that was enjoyed by 1200 Riverlanders.

Tasmania’s peak industry body, TasFarmers, has welcomed the news that the Saputo-owned King Island Dairy will remain open under new management following its sale to two Australian business leaders. TasFarmers had been concerned that the potential sale or closure of King Island Dairy could have significant economic ramifications for the island’s community.

Customers of Allora Butchery would have noticed a polite young man helping Aaron and the crew last year.

The quality of the region’s dairy supply has been put on show for the world to see with Riverina Fresh claiming the top spot at the National Barista Championships in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The competition sees contestants use milk suppliers from around the world in their bid to claim the title of the best barista in the gulf state.

Kaniva's Windmill Cafe and Visitor Information Centre has officially reopened, unveiling a stunning transformation that blends modern outback style with enhanced visitor services. The renovation and rebranding, led by Jemma Hill, have given the cafe a stylish new look...

For 18 months the kiosk at Casino Memorial Hospital was closed ... Now Kellie and Geoffrey Clarke from Evans Head have taken over the kiosk.

Madison Eastmond. The Riverland Food & Wine Festival is back to take over the Berri riverfront this March, with the revamped event preparing to showcase the best local produce, wine, and entertainment. With a focus on local wine and cuisine, sustainability, and safety, the classic event has been reimagined for the Riverland community since it was last held in the region six years ago.

Maldon Bakery’s lush outdoor area is now readily accessible due to a newly surfaced ground and there’s a special new reason to visit the garden ... a collaborative effort by the Maldon Men’s Shed and a local artist has brought the cute bakery ‘Baker’ logo to life so visitors can snap a selfie souvenir.

Michelle Daw. A Moonta butcher has called for the Federal Government to top up apprentice wages to make them more appealing to young people. Rhys O’Donohue of Moonta Gourmet Meats has two apprentices and said he was always looking for more.

Serena Kirby. One of Denmark artist Peter Usher’s paintings has been selected for Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series wine labels. Peter joins the ranks of other leading Australian artists to appear on the labels that includes works by John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Robert Juniper and Clifton Pugh.

Madison Eastmond. Riverland consumers are currently facing empty egg shelves and purchase limits as shortages continue to impact major supermarkets. Glenview Poultry Farm owner and South Australian and Tasmanian director of Egg Farmers of Australia, Darren Letton, told The Murray Pioneer the shortages are due to a range of consumer, governmental, and environmental factors.

Lockyer Valley Fruit & Vegetable Processing Company Limited (‘Lockyer Valley Foods’), the circular economy fruit and vegetable processing facility, has launched a $50M Series A funding round to begin construction ... Founder and CEO Colin Dorber said the Lockyer Valley – known as ‘Australia’s salad bowl’ – is vital to Australia’s food security ... ARR.News interviewed Chair Murray Chatfield to find out more about the facility, the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Maldon Bakery was selected winner of a 2024 Golden Plate Award in the Unlicensed Café or Bakery section at a gala dinner on Monday 2 December. Maldon Bakery always rises to the occasion with its magnificent baked goods, served with a smile in a lovely environment: everyone in the local area knows it!

The butchers at Metcalf Quality Meats in Evans Head, Tom Karry, Jacob Lane, Mark Simeoni, Riley Stothard, Nathan Scully and Wade Goldthorpe, grew moustaches to raise money for men’s mental health. Wade said the young fellas didn’t stand a chance in the moustache-growing race.

In his latest attempt to channel Australia’s wealth into government-approved projects, Chalmers announced plans to steer the Future Fund toward housing and renewables, claiming these priorities will secure both national prosperity and a moral high ground. But if the Treasurer is serious about backing industries with real potential, it’s time to herd the Future Fund into the sheep yards of Western Australia, where $200 million could establish a state-of-the-art abattoir to breathe life into a sector gasping under the weight of Canberra’s policy redirection.  

Six South Australian businesses will take part in the delegation led by the industry’s peak body, Distillers SA, and will showcase their award-winning gin, whisky, brandy, vermouth and liqueurs for Singaporean importers and consumers at targeted business meetings, tasting events and site visits...

Publican Daniel Simpson never studied chemistry at school. It hasn’t stopped him from learning how to make his own brew for the Rod n Reel at Woodburn. The microbrewery vats behind the bar at the pub make a glugging noise as the yeast ferments and makes alcohol.