18 May Local producers win big at Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards
Voodoo Mountain Preserves recently won five awards at the prestigious annual competition.
Sandy de Roode first started her business in 2019, after wanting a change from working in local industry.
“Voodoo Mountain Preserves was created three years ago from a long time passion of growing my own food and creating unique flavours using traditional old school fermenting and preserving techniques,” said Sandy.
“After working in local industry for 20 years, it was time for a career change and a simpler, more flexible lifestyle. My first market stall was at the local Turkey Beach Tractor Bash, where we sold out! I had no idea this little handmade food business would be so successful and our products sought after in such high demand. We grow some of our own produce and try to source as much as we can from local farmers. Our aim is to produce high quality artisan products with amazing flavour, without the use of any additives or fillers. Everything is thickened with 100% fruit and vegetables.”
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) host the Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards annually, bringing judges and produce from all over Australia in a competition since 1995.
The competition aims to promote excellence in the Australian Artisanal food industry, by providing a quality system of judging to gauge the quality of products from competitors around the nation.
“We won five awards at this year’s Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards. Our Hot Habanero Relish won Gold and the Champion Savoury Preserve Trophy, our Smoky Tomato Relish won Silver, our Smokey Jo Chilli BBQ Sauce won Silver & our Smokey Jo BBQ Sauce won Bronze. In November our Hot Habanero Relish will go up against the Champion products of each food category in the Major Awards Judging.”
While most of Voodoo Mountain’s customer base is local, from Agnes Water and 1770 to Rockhampton and Yeppoon, they also ship Australia-wide with customers in nearly every state. You can buy Voodoo Mountain’s award winning preserves at plenty of local markets, or online. Some fan favourites include their range of Wood Smoked BBQ sauces, their unique Mango Worcestershire sauce, and their Balsamic Beetroot and Caramelised Onion relishes.
“You will find me or my husband Dean most weekends at local markets. Our website and Facebook page advertises all of our upcoming markets and events, we also sell our products at the Turkey Beach General Store and post Australia wide.
“We are excited and overwhelmed with the results and recognition of our local handmade products at such a prestigious Australian food competition. On the back of wins at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards and the Brisbane Ekka last year, our products are proving themselves to be Multi-Award winning fine foods.”
You can shop the Voodoo Mountain Preserves range at www.voodoomountainpreserves.com, and keep an eye out on their Facebook page for upcoming market dates. 
