The announcement came at the Australian Food Awards held in Melbourne on September 8.

The Braidwood epicurean food producer had also taken home the prize in the ‘Champion Australian Fresh Produce’ category.

Thirteen champion trophies were presented at an awards dinner hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

The Awards are a leading national program that acknowledge and reward excellence among the producers of premium food.

Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Mark O’Sullivan said the Australian Food Awards judging panel was in awe of the talent and high quality products that were entered.

“The calibre of entrants in this year’s Australian Food Awards is why we at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria are so passionate and committed to this world-class program,” Mr O’Sullivan said. 

“We are proud to recognise and reward home-grown Australian producers and provide opportunities for them to leverage their success … through Australian Food Awards’ national brand seal of excellence.”

Terra Preta grow the twice award-winning French Black Truffles on their family farm in Braidwood.

Kate Marshall, who manages the business with her husband Peter, sons Keith and Gus, daughter Rita and Keith’s partner Zoe.

She attended the dinner with Gus as “we can’t all leave the farm at the one time”.

The dinner was held at the Melbourne Showground “in the MasterChef set, which was quite cool,” she said with a laugh.

“This was the first year they had fresh truffles as a category. When you win your [Champion Australian Fresh Produce] category, you send more produce and you’re judged again.

“We were sitting at our table when they called our name out. We were surprised and delighted.”

She expressed gratitude for her family’s hard work.

“It’s very much a family farm, a family effort, and every member is important,” she said.

Terra preta means "black soil" in Portuguese, being very dark and fertile ground.