When people think of fine food destinations in Victoria, Laverton North isn’t usually among them, but if one local salami producer has its way, that could be about to change.
Puopolo Artisan Salumi recently scooped the pool at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious produce awards.
Puopolo’s Finocchiona Mild Fennel Salami was named Champion Salami Type Product in the Smallgoods and Charcuterie competition, while its Cacciatore Mild Salami, Felino Wine Infused Mild Salami and Guanciale Mild Cured Meat all bagged gold medals when the show’s champion products were announced late last month.
While the success of any manufacturer is ultimately measured in the amount of products they sell, Puopolo’s national sales manager, Damian Aliano, said the awards would help them do just that.
“Because we’re a new manufacturer in this space, these awards mean a great deal to us,
because it gives credibility to the product range that we manufacture” said Mr Aliano of Puopolo’s which has only been producing high-end small goods for 10 years.
“We haven’t built a massive reputation because we haven’t been around long enough, but we’re hoping these wards give confidence to consumers that we manufacture a quality product.”
Puoplo’s manufactured lower quality smallgoods before moving to high-end products a decade ago after noticing a gap in the market.
Mr Aliano credits a bespoke style of manufacturing with their success.
“It starts with the pork. We only utlilise pork from one supplier and with that supplier he breads the animals to our spec,” he said.
“The quality of the meat is a-grade, we don’t use anything less.”
That meat is then cut on site by Puopolo’s own butchers, using specially imported products.
“We go to the extent of importing our mould from Italy as well as premium spices,” said Mr Aliano who listed appearance, smell, texture, and flavour as the characteristics judges assess when grading salami.
The next step for Puoplo’s is to get more of their newly awarded products out of Laverton North and into supermarkets and deli’s across Australia and beyond.
“Because we’re so young, the world’s our oyster,” Mr Aliano said.
Cade Lucas
