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Eccentric chocolatier’s world of
with some local investors.
One part of the job he loves is
PATRONS at Agfest this year will
experimenting with new products
once again be able to try some of
and 昀氀avour combinations.
Tasmania’s most unique and tasty
One large company has also asked
treats.
Mr Ryan to create new health snack
Entrepreneur Malcolm Ryan
products including collagen.
created his Rhuby Delights
He has also been trialing products
chocolates in 2015 when he attended
using hemp seed and collagen and
his 昀椀rst Agfest.
said the potential markets for those
The combination of freeze-dried
products is huge.
rhubarb and chocolate was an
“I’ve got some exciting things
unexpected hit and now Mr Ryan
going on,” he said.
has expanded his range to include
Previously, Mr Ryan used to get
more than 18 昀氀avour combinations.
Mr Ryan said now with cost-ofhis freeze drying done off site, but
“Looking back, I realised I was
living pressures, the amount people
now he does it all in house in a
probably crazy trying to make
are spending on discretionary
small dryer.
people like something they didn’t
items such as his products has also
He said this enables him to have
like but it worked and it’s still
reduced.
control over the whole process and
selling,” he said.
Despite the challenges including
experiment with new products.
Today one of Mr Ryan’s
The chocolate coating and
I’m always astounded at how polishing
biggest sellers is the
is also now done on
popular raspberry and
site using specially designed
many people come up to
chocolate combination.
equipment.
me at Agfest and have never
“It’s the most popular
His products are sold
by far, it just runs out the
across the state including
heard of me MALCOLM RYAN
door,” he said.
a number of key tourist
Over the years, Mr
centres.
Ryan has faced some hurdles in the
a huge increase in chocolate prices,
Mr Ryan has keenly attended
business including the impact of
Mr Ryan has continued to run the
almost every Agfest since he
Covid, which hit just after he had
business successfully.
started the business apart from a
agreed to buy a new manufacturing
However, to expand the business
couple of years when Covid was at
premises at Latrobe.
Mr Ryan said he would love to work its peak.
KAROLIN MACGREGOR
AGFEST
2024
Six sleeps
to go ...
‘
Malcolm Ryan: “I’ve got some exciting things going on.”
Tickets On Sale!
Secure Your Spot at
Agfest 2024! ?
Exciting news, folks! Tickets are now available for Agfest
2024 and will be open for purchase until the last day of the
event. Don't miss out on the ultimate agricultural
experience! No limits on ticket numbers, and there will be
limited gate sales this year (no cash), so snag your tickets
online to ensure you don't miss out on the fun!
12 TASMANIAN COUNTRY Friday, April 26, 2024
Check out the online ticket prices ?
Adult One-Day Pass - $25
Seniors / Age Pension One Day Pass - $20
Children (5-17 inclusive) One Day Pass $10
Family Pass (2 adults 3 children) - $60
Children under 5 - Free (ticket required)
(Booking fees apply)
Visit www.agfest.com.au to book now!