Local producers take centre stage

From 10am to 2pm, demonstrations, testers and chef-prepared canapés are set to impress attendees at the second iteration of the free event series.

Tina Knight from Lisadurne Hill Olive Oil attended the first event in Yarrawonga on Saturday, August 10 and is looking forward to the Echuca edition.

“It was a terrific event, so I’m hoping the Echuca one is just as good, if not better,” she said.

“It’s really about showcasing producers, particularly horticultural producers who are making pretty much 100 per cent Victorian produce.

“It’s to say, ‘look, we’re here, come and visit us, here’s our produce’.”

On the day, Radcliffe’s chef Adam Mitchell will serve up complimentary canapés using products from vendors such as Lisadurne Hill Olive Oil, My Dad’s Honey, Apulia Olives and Jessanda Farm.

“I’m really interested to see what he has done with the produce that I have given him,” Mrs Knight said.

“He’s got some extra virgin olive oil of ours; some balsamic vinegar, we grow the grapes, make the whole thing; table olives, and I’ve started a small commercial rose garden, so I’ve given him some still rosewater.”

Camel Milk Co co-founder Megan Williams is also excited to highlight products at the event, as well as meet fellow local producers.

“We’re really excited about our camel milk chocolates,” she said.

“We’ll do some tastings of camel milk on the day, and we also have our camel milk powder. Secondary to that, we’ll have the full camel milk skincare range as well.

“I’m keen to see what is available and what our amazing region offers.

“We have a great region and seeing what like-minded business people come up with and also just meeting them and knowing them ... is probably what I really look forward to.”

The event will feature entertainment by Drew Walker, as well as live demonstrations throughout the day.

Echuca Moama Coffee Roasters will host a coffee roasting presentation, Tocumwal Chocolate School will demonstrate chocolate tempering, and Rich Glen Olive Oil will stage an olive oil masterclass.

Mrs Williams appreciates the opportunity to showcase her brand and take inspiration from the business owners around her.

“It’s a great way for us to show off our company,” she said.

“But also, it fills my cup up. Going to these events gives you that burst of motivation to do something better or create something new or do a collaboration with another business.

“There are many different regions around Australia, but this is a fabulous one.”

Full list of participating vendors:

Made in the Murray Food and Drink Showcase will be at Radcliffe's Restaurant, 2-10 Radcliffe St, Echuca on Saturday, August 24 from 10am to 2pm.