Harvest Road is delighted to announce that its Leeuwin Coast brand oysters have been awarded two Gold and one Silver medal at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show Aquaculture Competition 2026, within the Sydney Rock Oyster Commercial Volume class. Leeuwin Coast bottle size Albany Rock Oyster achieved a Gold medal and 3rd position overall with a score of 91.67, with the Plate size also awarded Gold with a score of 90 and the Bistro size earning Silver with 86 points.
Leeuwin Coast oysters are grown in Albany, Western Australia, where a remote and pristine coastline provides the perfect setting for an oyster farm in an area renowned for its premium seafood.
Harvested only in the warmer months of November to April when they are in peak condition, Albany Rock Oysters are grown in the estuarine waters nourished by fresh waters from local rivers and cool, clear saltwater of the Southern Ocean – conditions that provide a nutrient-rich growing environment.
With a strong commitment to balancing science and up-to-date technologies with years of hands-on knowledge and experience, the Leeuwin Coast aquaculture team has focused on finessing rock oyster growing techniques and invested in both on- and offshore infrastructure to produce a unique tasting, consistent quality rock oyster.
Starting their life in the local hatchery, and then transitioning to purpose-built, state-of-the-art nursery facilities, Albany Rock Oysters are carefully managed and graded so that only the best quality juniors continue their journey into the baskets in the Albany waters.
Harvest Road Chief Operating Officer – Seafood Richard Kohne said the specialist team has been tracking and monitoring this year’s harvest for several years, ensuring the perfect conditions for optimal growth and flavour.
“Our talented and committed team is out on the water multiple times each week. We handle the stock consistently to deliver a high-quality and well-balanced oyster,” Mr Kohne said.
“There’s a strong sense of satisfaction knowing we are farming in some of the most pristine waters on earth and receiving this recognition within a high-quality rock oyster region is testament to the hard work of our passionate team. Congratulations to all the award winners on the amazing quality produce they submitted. We are proud to be part of such an incredibly passionate industry.”
Albany Rock Oysters are now being embraced by chefs across the country. With Western Australians long being privy to the delights of their local, seasonal gem, oyster connoisseurs on the East Coast are now becoming particularly intrigued by the previously little-known Albany Rock Oyster from Western Australia, which is now appearing on menus across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Award-winning chef Jason Roberts said “Albany Rock Oysters are unique tasting oysters, grown in a stunning part of Australia. Having visited the farm in Albany in October I saw firsthand the tireless work of the knowledgeable farm team who are on the water rain, hail or shine throughout the year to ensure the oysters are in great condition when harvest time comes and they are ready to eat. I love to shuck them fresh for that real taste of summer.”
Richard added “Chefs and their diners are increasingly looking for sustainable, unique and delicious eating choices and Albany Rock Oysters offer all of these. Our customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the well-balanced flavour profile of Albany Rock Oysters, and we are delighted that the judges at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show agree.”
Albany Rock Oysters are available until roughly the end of April through select retailers and restaurants.
