As the founder of Land of Plenty Food Co., Karen transformed an innocent idea into an industry leader in the gourmet food market, all before its 25th anniversary. A testament to innovation and adaptability, here’s a glimpse into Land of Plenty; how it began, how it’s developed and how Fine Food Australia was able to support Karen along the way.

Family businesses are the heart of our communities, keeping the economy moving and employing millions of Aussies. Whether they’re feeding us, clothing us, caring for us, or entertaining us, it’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve! Vote for your favourite family business today and help them get some well-earned recognition.

With the goal of helpings SMEs scale and stimulate interest in the speciality food sector, the inaugural Foodpreneurs Festival is being held at the Sydney StartUp Hub on 19 May.

Craig Rochat, CEO of Land of Plenty Food Group, did not expect to enter the New Year taking an urgent crash course in operating a forklift truck. But that’s what he was faced with when two-thirds of his staff came down with Covid in the first week of January, and he found himself alone at his warehouse in Sydney, Australia. Rochat, who runs the food manufacturer and distributor alongside his wife Karen Lavecky, its founder and creative director, had no choice but to hang up his suit and begin loading up pallets onto trucks for distribution.

Karen Lavecky always dreamt of starting her own business, but it wasn’t until her “world changed” after getting caught up in September 11 that she was inspired to take the plunge. That plunge has made her so successful she has just landed a seven-figure deal […]