San José Smallgoods was founded in 2006 by José Coutinho, who has over 30 years of experience in producing artisan salumi. Originally from Portugal, Jose migrated to Australia at the age of 18 and would work for 17 years as a Salumi Production Manager before setting out on a life-long dream of owning his own business and becoming one of the country’s most celebrated artisan smallgoods producers.
José’s passion for producing uniquely exceptional products is at the core of San José’s philosophy, which is built on a refusal to compromise on quality. José purchases totally free-range paddock roaming, female heritage pork (Black Berkshire), directly from South Australian farmers. The pork is then de-boned, trimmed, salted, spiced, cured and matured on the San José premises, all by hand and never leaving the watchful eye of José.
The range of salumi and embutidos is inspired by the flavours of Italy, Spain and Portugal where José pulls inspiration from his childhood food memories. The result of this craftsmanship, local produce, authentic flavours and traditional techniques is an award winning range of smallgoods that now stock the shelves of their iconic outlet at the Adelaide Central Market and their shop front overlooking Thorndon Park in Newton.
The 2013 produce awards have come to an end and San José Smallgoods has once again rivaled its counterparts and reaffirmed its place as the leading artisan smallgoods producer in Australia.
San José Smallgoods was awarded with 12 medals out of 15 entries at the prestigious Sydney Royal Fine Food Show in the second half of this year along with a nomination to attend the Delicious Produce Awards, which resulted in a medal finish for the black Berkshire Jamon.
After great results in Sydney, San José went on to compete in the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards and the medals kept coming. San José received a grand total of 6 Gold Medals and 3 Silver. San José was also awarded the Champion Trophy for the third year in a row.
Awards were also received on the local front as San José Smallgoods received 7 medals out of 7 entries in the Australian Meat Industry Council Awards.
San José Smallgoods, recognised and featured in both Gourmet Traveller and The Age in 2013 for their contribution to artisan produce, have once again claimed their spot as the leading smallgoods producer in Australia.