Passion and Purpose in the Burra

Everybody has a story – and the same can be said about the food you consume and the products you use.

Grain-fed beef, artisan cheeses, fresh-made pasta, speciality condiments, and beautiful homewares. Every product holds a story worth sharing about the farmer, maker or producer who work tirelessly to bring their visions to life.

This belief is the heart and soul of Korumburra’s The Burra Pantry and Larder.

Tucked amongst a unique blend of shops, cafes, bakeries and other community outlets, The Burra Pantry and Larder is a welcoming produce and homeware shop supporting growers and makers from Gippsland and surrounds.

Owners Steph Anderton and Joel White source items that are unlikely to be found on the shelves of large supermarkets and chain retail stores.

‘It’s important to us to know where the food we stock was produced, the quality of it and the people and the story behind it,’ Steph said. ‘We stock as much local, regional and artisan products as we can.’

The idea behind the store came nearly two years ago,  after Steph and Joel made a tree change. They left their home in Richmond and quit their busy corporate careers in the fast-paced food industry to embrace country living. They moved onto a cattle farm in Arawata that they purchased nearly a decade prior.

‘South Gippsland is stunning – we love the rolling green hills, rugged coastline and the fresh air,’ Steph said. ‘(But) when we first moved here, we were amazed that it was very difficult to buy the beautiful produce made in Gippsland. Despite driving past the amazing animals grazing in the paddocks, it was hard to buy local meat anywhere- and many other food producers could only be found in farmers’ markets.

‘We opened the Burra Pantry and Larder because we are passionate about good food and wine. My idea was to have as many local producers as possible all in the one place and be able to share the story behind these producers.’

The Burra Pantry and Larder is now a one-stop-shop for those who appreciate good food, wine, and hand-made items. It really is the ‘go-to’ place to purchase exceptional meat, cheese, wine, nuts, condiments, sweets, pantry items, bake wear, cookware, and gifts.

Steph and Joel have embraced working and living in Gippsland, and the feeling from locals and tourists is mutual.

‘People come in and discover we have things they didn’t even realize they needed!’ Steph said. ‘We have met some amazing people and developed some lovely friendships here.’

For more information, visit www.burrapantryandlarder.com.au