Premium Fresh Tasmania, started as a small family farm in Forth more than 60 years ago, has been transformed into a much bigger produce operation. The firm is still owned by three Ertler brothers – Jim, Rick and Mike – and last week they took home the Regional Exporter Award at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra.
By combining its own produce with those of other Tasmanian producers, Premium Fresh can supply carrots, onions, swedes, turnips, echalions, shallots, leeks, Brussels sprouts and asparagus to Tasmanian, Australian and international markets.
One of the keys to Premium Fresh’s export success has been to look beyond standard fresh produce offerings, Jim Ertler told The Advocate. “A number of our products, such as echalions and asparagus, differentiate us from other exporters.”
The Regional Exporter Award recognises outstanding international success by a business with a head office in a regional area. While Premium Fresh had won the Tasmanian export award, they were surprised to take out the national award. “I think this is the first time a Tasmanian company has won the regional exporter award nationally,” Mr Ertler said.
