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Josef Chromy awarded by Minister Zaorálek

(This article expired 09.06.2017 / 02:51.)

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic handed over to 15 laureats the Gratias Agit Prize on the 6th June 2014 in the Czernin Palace in Prague. Consulate of the Czech Republic in Sydney cordially congratulates to its nominee Mr Josef Chromy OAM.

The Gratias Agit has been awarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the promotion of the good name of the Czech Republic abroad ever since 1997 in appreciation of prominent personalities and organizations developing activities in nongovernmental fields. Along with the increasing role of civic society, this award, too, is becoming an ever more prestigious prize for the voluntary activities of people committed to working for the benefit of the whole society, for the promotion of friendship among nations and for the promotion of the good name of the Czech Republic in the world. At present, it is the only statutory prize awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministr Zaorálek a Josef Chromý

Photo MFA: Minister Zaorálek and Josef Chromý

Josef Chromy OAM ( born in 1930 in Czechoslovakia) has been instrumental to the Tasmanian food and wine industry having owned and developed some of Tasmania’s leading wineries including Rochecombe (now Bay of Fires), Jansz, Heemskerk and Tamar Ridge. His wines from Relbia, a stonethrow from Launceston, are known to the winelovers in Japan, China, the UK, Sweden and soon in the Czech Republic.

At 76, when most people would be thinking about easing up, Joe launched Josef Chromy Wines in December 2007. In just over 4 short years, Josef Chromy Wines has made an impressive impact on the Australian Wine industry. Through the hard work of many, Josef Chromy Wines has built sales of 28000 cases in a profitable and sustainable manner. In a very short period Josef Chromy Wines has amassed over 14 trophies and 170 medals which makes it one of the most successful launches in the history of the Tasmanian Wine Industry.

Joe acknowledges Tasmania as the regional hero in this development. Josef Chromy Wines is the culmination of Joe’s experience in the Tamar Valley and its unique vineyard site (60 hectares) and the location is delivering both exquisite table and sparkling wines and providing one of most memorable food and wine experiences in Tasmania.

Josef’s personal journey from penniless immigrant to successful food and wine entrepreneur has been an inspiration for many in Tasmania. “I came here with nothing but hope and ambition over 50 years ago. Tasmanians welcomed me and, with their help, I have been rewarded for the challenges and risks I have taken on in both the meat and wine industries”. Over the next 40 years he used his skills as a Master Butcher and Smallgoods Maker to build his business, Blue Ribbon Meat Products, into one of Tasmania’s leading brands.

In 1993 Blue Ribbon was floated on the Australian Stock Exchange, and Josef used the money to invest in Tasmania’s fledgling wine industry. Since then Josef has owned and developed some of Tasmania’s leading wineries. Josef is loyal to his adopted home, and all his property investments are in Tasmania.

“Loyalty is a quality I value highly and this definitely affects my investment decisions. We do at times look elsewhere but so far there have been sufficient quality opportunities in this State that I love,” Mr Chromy said.

www.josefchromy.com.au