Producer Profile: Van Diemens Land Creamery
Our Producers’ Nights are a great way to meet the people who grow and make your food. We recently caught up with Carly Palmer, General Manager of Van Diemens Land Creamery, who will have a stall at our upcoming Producer Night at our Devonport store. Read on to find out Carly’s favourite VDLC ice cream flavour and her hot tip for a delicious dessert.
Van Diemens Land Creamery makes delectable artisan ice creams from local certified organic milk and premium local ingredients like leatherwood honey, olive oil, whisky and lavender. From small beginnings two decades ago they’re now found in premium restaurants and delis across Australia, and of course, in Hill Street stores. Carly Palmer is their General Manager and gave us the low done on all things VDLC.
What do you produce and where do you produce it? VDLC produces a large range of ice cream, gelato and sorbet all manufactured in our facility at Elizabeth Town, near Deloraine.
How did you start in this business? We're a family-owned business that started 20 years ago when our directors, Paul and Jan Amourgis, began using milk from their farm to make ice cream. Since then, we've grown to employ over 40 people and distribute our products across Australia and into Singapore.
Tell us about your business today Today, our products are available at over 400 stockists nationwide, offering a variety of options, including food service scoop ice cream, retail tubs, single-serve Dixie cups, and freeze-dried ice cream. Our focus remains on producing the highest quality ice cream, with an emphasis on unique Tasmanian flavours.
How did you come to work with Hill Street? We have had a long-standing relationship with Hill Street since 2018 in the North of the state, and now we supply most of the southern stores too.
What is special about your products? What sets our products apart is the care and scientific approach we apply in their formulation and processing. We use certified organic Jersey milk, source high-quality Tasmanian produce, and are supported by a passionate team dedicated to excellence.
Which is your personal favourite and why? My favourite changes weekly, but some of my top picks are Pistachio, Pepperberry Leatherwood Honey, and our Chocolate Gelato. The Pistachio and Chocolate are classic flavours that we’ve perfected, while the Pepperberry and Leatherwood Honey is a unique, complex, and very adult flavour that I just love.
What do you like most about being a producer in Tasmania? What I love most is living by the Tassie brand, being part of a great community, and working with an amazing team. The highs and lows of business are all worth it when I see people smile and watch others grow.
What are the challenges? The challenges include managing time and finances, balancing work and personal life, handling logistics, and ensuring that growth is both sustainable and mindful.
Is there a recipe that you would like to share with our customers? My hot tip is to pair our VDLC and Campers Pantry freeze-dried whisky ice cream with a shot of coffee! It’s a simple but indulgent treat that’s perfect for the great outdoors or dessert at home.
Van Diemens Land Creamery products are stocked in most Hill Street stores statewide. Check with your local Hill Street for availability.
