ARMIDALE brewery The Welder's Dog has just wrapped up another appearance as one of the hand-picked "delicious dozen" at an international food fair.
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It's the business' second time on the state government's Flavours of NSW stand during Fine Food Australia, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre this year.
Co-founder Tom Croft said they'd been invited to apply again after having been one of the state's featured food and beverage companies in 2018 when the event was held in Melbourne.
And he said the growth of the business meant "we can more easily say yes to opportunities" this year.
"Being a bit more established with the brewery now, hopefully we'll be able to take advantage of more contacts or opportunities down here," he said.
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"Last year, we'd only just really got out our core range of beer; this year ... we know our distribution avenues and can be a bit quicker.
"This year, we've been able to do orders on the spot, so when people return to their venues they will actually have it at their door.
"We can more easily contemplate bigger orders and forecast a bit better - what demand might be coming into the warmer months, for example - and it's an opportunity to collaborate with other producers."
One example was a potential collaboration with a hemp seed producer he met there last year.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade, John Barilaro, opened the biggest food and beverage trade event in the southern hemisphere.
He said it would attract about 23,000 visitors, "giving NSW food and beverage businesses the chance to sell their products to national and international buyers, expand networks and learn new skills".
"We're seeing skyrocketing demand for our food and beverages both domestically and internationally, with exports valued in excess of $4 billion each year."
He said many exhibitors were from regional areas.
"I encourage everyone, especially during this time of drought, to travel to our regions and experience some of the incredible eateries we have to offer," he said.