Their success even led to their business, Brookfarm, becoming the first Australian food manufacturing company to ever win the coveted National Telstra Australian Business of the Year award.

Their journey began in 1988, when the Brooks were living and working in Melbourne.

They purchased a run-down ex-dairy farm and gradually transformed it into a productive macadamia farm of 4500 trees, with the steeper slopes and gullies planted out with rainforest and native trees.

Martin said their aim was to create a business that showcased the very best of Australian-made food products.

“For us it didn’t make sense growing just macadamias – it was all about what you did with these beautiful tasting and healthy nuts,” he said.

“We wanted to produce the world’s finest gourmet macadamia product lines, not just the roasted, toasted or chocolate-coated varieties.”

And after another two years of work on product development, packaging, shelf life testing and research, their dream finally became a reality.

As Australia’s leading producer of gourmet macadamia products, the Brookfarm range includes first cold pressed natural and infused macadamia oil, gourmet macadamia muesli – toasted and natural – plus a gluten-free macadamia muesli and a range of premium quality snack nuts roasted with West Australian sea salts and Australian spices.

Martin said Brookfarm created gourmet macadamia products for everyday use.

“Our product range brings the superb flavours, aromas and health benefits of the macadamia to all aspects of cuisine,” he said.

“All products are made and manufactured in the Byron hinterland, using the finest Australian ingredients, and our range of gourmet macadamia products are now being exported into the US, UK, Scandinavia, Maldives, South East Asia, New Zealand and Canada.”