By Callum Ludwig
Seville’s Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods (YVGF) has been producing some of the Yarra Ranges’ finest preserves and is set to transform its business model with support from the Victorian Government.
$240,000 from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund has been granted for YVGF to provide tourism opportunities such as transforming one of their kitchens into a space for visitors to pick produce,come inside for a cooking class and make their own products and to create an art gallery and outdoor decked area.
Owner of YVGF Jacqui Harvey said the project is all about authenticity.
“Our core values are about creating premium condiments using the best local and Australian produce so where we can grow our own or use as much local produce as we can, we absolutely will do that,” she said.
“We don’t apologise for an expensive price point because we’re utilising Australian produce, and that takes priority over ingredients we can’t source.”
The Yarra Ranges is already an incredibly strong tourist destination, providing 6500 jobs and enticing approximately 5.9 million domestic and international overnight visitors pre-Covid in 2019, which brings in upwards of $772 million each year.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said it is wonderful to have both the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and the Enabling Tourism Fund to enhance the tourism offering in the Yarra Valley.
“It’s been a great pleasure to be in the Valley today, and to be able to announce support for three projects in the region,” he said.
“I’ve got no doubt it will mean more tourists, more yield for the region, more visitation generally, and a better experience for those that do so thanks to your vision Jacqui.”
Despite the Yarra Valley’s reputation for its wineries, the food industry also attracted 825,000 visitors in 2019 to epicurean activities, with upgrades like those at YVGF hopefully set to encourage them to stay longer and try more.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said YVGF is a real hidden gem.
“We drive past this place every day, and when you come in to see what’s happening, the enthusiasm of Jacqui and her team is absolutely amazing,” he said.
CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism Simon O’Callaghan said he wanted to congratulate Jacqui and that the fund is an acceleration opportunity for businesses to help them get where they want to be.
“People don’t realise how hard it is to generate working capital to invest back in as Jacqui has on her own, and I think she will now see the fruits of her labour. We really look forward to seeing how that evolves into a tourism experience for the Warburton Valley which really needs more of them,” he said.
The project will expand YVGF’s production space, and create accessible walkways, a loading bay, increased parking and a guided epicurean tour.
Ms Harvey said she had the epiphany to start YVGF in a meeting with Yarra Ranges Tourism.
“They said it’s not just about people coming up to visit wineries anymore, people want a food experience, they want an adventure,” she said.
“I started 13 years ago with myself and two girls in the kitchen, and we’ve grown and moved into what is now our third facility and are realising my vision. Now I can pretty it up so that when someone comes they can stay for a while and can mix in with everything along the Warburton Valley which I’m very passionate about.”
