A Coastal producer is one of 12 Tasmanian food businesses representing the state at Australia's largest food trade exhibition next week.
Hill Farm Preserves owner Karin Luttmer and business development manager Steph Jaensch will join North-West businesses Blue Hills Honey, Three Friends Abalone and a range of other Tasmanian producers at Fine Food Australia, which runs from September 5-8 in Melbourne.
With international markets heavily affected by the pandemic, Hill Farm refocused on the domestic market in recent years, and next week's expo will be the first time they are able to speak face to face with existing and potential buyers.
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She said the business makes a range of natural, premium condiments and preserves featuring Tasmanian products.
"We're really looking forward to attending an event like this where you can talk face to face after so many virtual meetings," Mrs Jaensch said.
"Having that personal touch again will be very welcome."
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The expo was of course canned in 2020 and 2021, but it remains Australia's largest food trade exhibition.
"The most important outcome for us would be to secure mainland distributors," Mrs Janesch said.
"We pivoted through COVID to try and consolidate our presence within Australia. We wanted to make sure Australians after Australian products knew we were there."
Ms Luttmer is the third owner of the business, which has been operational for 20 years, and since she took over in 2016 has made serious ground in expanding its operations.
As well as multiple industry awards, Mrs Jaensch said that turnover in the business has increased by 40 per cent under Ms Luttmer's stewardship, and the last financial year was the business's biggest on record.
"It shows the resilience of a well run business, that makes a quality product, that people want even in uncertain times," she said.
The Tasmanian contingent of Fine Food Australia has been organised by the Department of State Growth.
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