Australian Food Awards Producer Spotlight: Del Bocia

Q&A: Alberto Borghi, Del Bocia

How long has your business been running? Can you give us a brief history of your business or product?
I started the business last December. It's a family-run operation, and we use traditional methods to produce our butter. Previously, I spent a decade as the sales manager for a major cheese company in Melbourne. My passion for the dairy industry inspired me to create something of my own. Growing up, my family and I made butter together, and I've aimed to replicate that experience by using our cherished family recipe.

What makes your business/products unique?
Our product is unique because we adhere to a traditional butter-making process inspired by an ancient recipe from the Italian Dolomites. This method respects the exceptional quality of Australian cream, enhancing its natural flavours without adding any external ingredients. Our commitment to using only the finest local ingredients and following time-honoured techniques ensures a rich, authentic taste that stands out in the market.

What’s your business philosophy?
Our business philosophy centres around quality, tradition, and respect for ingredients. We believe in using the best local produce and following time-honoured methods to create a product that embodies authenticity and excellence. We are committed to sustainability, supporting local farmers, and maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of our production. Our goal is to bring the rich heritage of Italian butter-making to the Australian market, providing a premium product that our customers can trust and enjoy.

What do you hope for the future of your business/product?
For the future, we hope to achieve organic growth and explore opportunities for exporting our products. Our vision is to expand our reach while maintaining our commitment to quality and traditional methods. By doing so, we aim to share our unique butter with a broader audience, both locally and internationally, while continuing to support sustainable practices and local communities.

Where can people buy your products?
We have a few retailers around Melbourne, including La Manna Supermarket, La Manna in Brunswick, Boccaccio, Ripe at Queen Victoria Market, and many more.

Tell us a little about your winning product
Our Gold Winner Unsalted Butter is a testament to our dedication to quality and traditional methods. It has been recognised for its rich, creamy texture and pure, unadulterated taste. Made from the finest Australian cream, this butter enhances any dish with its natural, clean flavour, making it perfect for both cooking and baking.

Our Bronze Winner Salted Butter also stands out for its exceptional quality. It strikes a perfect balance between creamy richness and a hint of salt, which enhances the natural sweetness of the butter. This award-winning product is ideal for spreading, cooking, or adding a gourmet touch to any meal. Both products embody our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating superior butter using time-honoured methods.

What does winning this award mean for you and your team?
These awards hold profound significance for me. They are a recognition of the dedication, hard work, and passion that go into every step of our butter-making process. They validate our commitment to quality and traditional methods, and they serve as a testament to the excellence of our products. On a personal level, these accolades are a fulfilment of my dream to honour my family’s heritage and share our cherished recipes with the world. They inspire me to continue striving for the highest standards and to expand our reach while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of our butter.

What do you think this win will do for your business?
I believe these awards will significantly enhance our business. They provide a strong endorsement of our products' quality, helping to build trust and credibility with both current and potential customers. This recognition can open doors to new opportunities, such as expanding our market presence and attracting partnerships with premium retailers and distributors. Additionally, the awards can boost our brand's reputation, distinguishing us in a competitive market and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. Ultimately, these accolades will support our growth and help us share our unique, high-quality butter with a wider audience.

Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram at @delbocia

 

Del Bocia’s journey from family tradition to award-winning products showcases the power of passion and dedication to quality. As the business continues to grow, its commitment to excellence remains steadfast, bringing the finest butter to both local and international markets.

The Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards are open to commercial food producers of all sizes, from boutique operators to large-scale manufacturers. As one of the largest programs of its kind, these prestigious awards have served as a springboard for many of Australia's most successful food products and brands.

 

To view all the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards winners, visit melbourneroyal.com.au/food.