Pindimar business owner and resident Jan Goroncy has received a Gold Award for his “Italian Pink” garlic at this year’s prestigious Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards.

Jan and his wife Lesley, are the owners of an import/distribution business in the Tea Gardens Industrial Estate called NTP Health Products.

They also own and operate a 250 acre property called Barrington River Organic Farm, located in the pristine foothills of the Barrington region near Gloucester, about 110km north of Tea Gardens.

The farm has been producing garlic since 2002, and has already received significant acclaim, with buyers including Mumu’s Bar and Grill in Crows Nest and Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant in Sydney.

Jan was invited to submit his garlic for consideration two weeks ago and has subsequently won the category of ‘Organic Hard Neck Garlic (Fresh Produce)’.

Speaking with News Of The Area, Jan Goroncy said, “While I have received many accolades over the years for my garlic produce, this is the first award and official recognition I’ve encountered amongst industry professionals.”

“It has been a very successful product and now we have the award to prove why,” said Mr Goroncy.

“Word has got around quickly of course, and we’ve now sold out of all stocks of Italian Pink garlic. With the right conditions and with a successful planting operation, we should have stocks again around October this year,” he said.

The Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards is Australia’s premium fine food event.

It is one of a number of food and agriculture events hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, attracting submissions from producers all around Australia.

There are five garlic categories, drawing more than 40 entries, with nine competitors in the running for the Organic Hard Neck category alone.

This award has delighted everyone at Barrington River Organic Farm, and is a testament to the hard work, focus and determination of biodynamic farmer, Jan Goroncy and his team.

More information about Barrington River Organic Farm and their produce can be found on their website: www.barringtonriverorganicfarm.com.au or on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/barringtonriverorganicfarm/