“They’re producing some outstanding new products in the craft beverage field, and are going from strength to strength in innovation and opening new markets and introducing those products that are being brewed in Armidale to more and more people in metropolitan and other regional areas.”
Fine Food Australia is the annual Olympics for food, and will bring together 1,000 plus exhibitors from more than 60 countries to compete for the attention of around 20,000 food industry buyers and importers.
The event gives NSW food and beverage producers a chance to market their brands to a who’s who of the industry and sell their products to the nation and the world.
“It is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest food industry trade event,” Mr Marshall said, “and the selection of Welder’s Dog for the NSW Government stand is not only a major feather in the cap for them as an outstanding local producer, but also for our regional food and beverage industry.
“As the Minister for Tourism, as well as the local member, I can well appreciate how such an innovative producer is driving a local industry in a niche market that is a real point of difference and captivating locals and tourists alike and value-adding to our local economy.”
NSW has more than 50,000 agricultural, aquaculture, fishing and food and beverage processing companies that contribute to a food and agriculture export industry worth more than $7 billion a year.
Welder’s Dog was born in Armidale in 2014, establishing its 2,000 litre brewhouse in Armidale’s industrial area and opening the beer bar in Marsh Street. Twelve months ago, it opened a second Welder’s Dog beer bar in Dowe Street, Tamworth.
Co-owners Tom Croft and Dan Emery will spearhead their Melbourne show with their signature Welder’s Dog Farmhouse alcoholic ginger beer, but will also showcase pea-blossom pink lemonade and their new wheat ale.
Mr Croft said the Fine Food gig was exciting, and a huge opportunity to springboard their products direct to market buyers.
“We’re trying to work out how much to take,” he said; “you can only take samples, but we’ll probably have a ute and trailer load to transport.
