Unlocking Bold Flavour and Health Benefits with Black Garlic & Co.

Discover a tale of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable farming that is sure to captivate.

Nestled in the heart of the Margaret River region, Black Garlic & Co has been transforming the culinary landscape with their award-winning black garlic creations. Founded by Dionne Sibly and her husband, this family-run business combines organic farming, a love for fine food, and a commitment to sustainability. 

On November 30, 2024, Black Garlic & Co will be bringing their premium range of black garlic products to the Gourmet and Garden Market. Join us as we dive into their story, products, and journey to culinary acclaim.

The Inspiration Behind Black Garlic & Co.

The idea for Black Garlic & Co began with a dream of creating a family farm in Western Australia’s picturesque Margaret River region. For Dionne’s husband, the pull toward rural life was personal—he spent his school holidays on his grandparents’ farm in the Barossa Valley and wanted his own children to experience a similar connection to nature. Garlic seemed like a promising crop, yet its relatively short shelf life presented a challenge. The couple found a creative solution: turning garlic into black garlic, which has a two-year shelf life and strong medicinal properties. This transformation not only extended the product’s shelf life but also gave rise to a premium food ingredient rich in antioxidants and bursting with umami flavor.

With that, Black Garlic & Co was born, combining their love for family, the land, and a passion for creating something truly unique in the kitchen.

Crafting Black Garlic Products with Care

Every product at Black Garlic & Co begins with organically grown garlic from the Margaret River region, carefully selected for quality and flavour. To turn this garlic into black garlic, it is slow-cooked in a high-humidity, low-temperature oven for at least four weeks in their commercial kitchen, located at the back of their home. This careful process transforms the garlic, resulting in a soft, black, and flavourful product.

The black garlic is then infused into a variety of gourmet products, including balsamic vinegar and their celebrated cherry paste. Each item is crafted in small batches and infused with complementary flavors such as Jarrah honey and goji berries, creating a product lineup that’s both diverse and distinctive. “All of our products are made by hand in small batches,” Dionne shares. “It’s an artisanal process that requires patience and attention to detail.”

Award-Winning Excellence

Black Garlic & Co may be a relatively young business, but its products have already received significant recognition. Their first notable success came in 2021 when they entered their products in the Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards. Watching a video from the event, they saw their products being praised, although branding had been removed. To their delight, they won five awards, including Champion for both their Black Garlic and Aged Black Garlic Cherry Paste.

Since then, the accolades have only grown. In 2023, their Aged Black Garlic Cherry Paste won “Best Other Savoury Paste” at the Melbourne Royal and was named a Champion at the Sydney Fine Food Awards. The business even made it to the panel interview stage for the prestigious President’s Medal at the Sydney Fine Food Awards.

Then in 2024, Black Garlic & Co entered the World Taste Awards, a global competition judged by a panel of French chefs. Their Aged Black Garlic & Jarrah Honey Balsamic Vinegar received a Platinum award, while the Aged Black Garlic Cherry Paste earned a Gold award. “It was a huge honor to be recognized at such a high level,” Dionne says. “Each award tier at the World Taste Awards reflects achievements that set new standards in flavour, so to receive such high marks from expert chefs was incredible.”

Balancing Business with Family Life

Running a small business is no small feat, and for Dionne, balancing her role as the face of Black Garlic & Co with family responsibilities and a second job at RAC Arena presents a daily challenge. However, she hopes that by next year, her husband can join the business part-time, allowing her to focus more on sales and marketing efforts. Like many small business owners, she faces the challenges of juggling multiple roles and managing cash flow, but she remains committed to the growth of Black Garlic & Co.

Committed to Sustainability

Sustainability is woven into the philosophy of Black Garlic & Co. Not only are their products made with organic ingredients, but they also strive to minimise waste. Their Aged Black Garlic Cherry Paste, for example, is crafted from surplus cherries, giving a second life to fruit that might otherwise go to waste. The team is also exploring ways to reuse garlic shells in their production process, reflecting their ongoing commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Looking ahead, Dionne and her husband are excited to expand Black Garlic & Co beyond Western Australia. Their immediate goal is to begin exporting their products to the East Coast of Australia, followed by markets in Singapore and other parts of Asia. They’re also actively searching for a property in the Margaret River region to establish their long-dreamed-of family farm, further deepening their connection to the land and the local community.

Discover Black Garlic & Co at Garden & Gourmet

For anyone curious to try these remarkable black garlic creations, the upcoming Gourmet and Garden Market on November 30, 2024, offers the perfect opportunity. Attendees will get to experience the full range of Black Garlic & Co products, including their newest release, the Aged Black Garlic Olive Oil, introduced earlier this year. This olive oil is a rich addition to any pantry, enhancing dishes with a depth of flavour that only black garlic can provide.

To celebrate the event, Black Garlic & Co is offering a special promotion: 10% off orders over $50 (shipping excluded) with the code GANDG10. This exclusive offer is available at the market, so don’t miss the chance to stock up on premium black garlic products for the holidays!

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply someone who loves bold flavours, Black Garlic & Co has something unique to offer. From award-winning balsamic vinegar to flavourful pastes, every product is a testament to Dionne and her husband’s passion for quality and sustainability. Experience their black garlic creations at the Gourmet and Garden Market, or explore more of their collection online at www.blackgarlicandco.com.au.