Chef Claire Van Vuuren
More than produce: Why Claire Van Vuuren Backs Elora Fine Farming
There are chefs who buy produce because it looks good.
Then there are chefs who buy produce because they believe in the people growing it. For Claire Van Vuuren, the answer has always been the latter.
It Starts Before the Plate
After more than fifteen years leading one of Sydney’s most respected restaurants, Bloodwood, Claire understands something many overlook:
Great cooking doesn’t start in the kitchen.
It starts with relationships.
It starts with growers.
“Knowing where produce comes from is incredibly important. The more connected you are to the people growing your food, the better decisions you can make as a chef.”
It’s a philosophy built over time - shaped by experience, grounded in respect, and driven by a deeper understanding of the supply chain.
More Than Just Quality
When Claire was introduced to Elora Fine Farming, the quality was immediate.
Baby vegetables with structure.
Micro herbs with intensity.
Edible flowers that actually carry flavour.
But it wasn’t just the product that stood out.
It was the story behind it.
Located in Queensland and led by Jermaine and Geoffrey Borg, Elora has built a reputation for precision growing - but more importantly, for doing things the right way.
“It matters who you’re supporting. When you find growers who genuinely care about their people, their land and the future of the industry, that’s something worth backing.”
From Farm to Service
That philosophy came to life during Claire’s collaboration with Elora - translating farm produce into seasonal dishes served at Bloodwood.
The ingredients spoke for themselves.
Sweet finger fennels.
Delicate baby vegetables.
Vibrant herbs.
Edible flowers harvested with care.
But the real value wasn’t just what landed on the plate.
It was what sat behind it.
“Customers are becoming more interested in where food comes from. They want transparency. They want to know their choices are supporting good people doing good things.”
The Future of Food Is Relationship-Driven
Both Bloodwood and Elora Fine Farming share a common belief:
Food is about community.
Supporting growers.
Supporting producers.
Supporting each other.
As the industry evolves, Claire believes the connection between chefs and farmers will only become more critical.
“The best partnerships aren’t transactional. They’re built on trust, communication and shared values.”
Backing Something Bigger
For Claire, this connection runs deeper than produce.
As a female chef who has spent decades navigating the hospitality industry, she recognises the importance of representation and opportunity - not just in kitchens, but across the entire food system.
Elora’s commitment to women in farming, female-led teams, and opportunities created through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme struck a chord.
“Women have always played a huge role in agriculture, but often haven’t been recognised for it. Seeing businesses actively supporting and creating opportunities for women is incredibly important.”
It’s not a marketing line.
It’s a shift in how the industry should operate.
Why It Matters
This is what sets Elora apart.
Not just exceptional produce.
A farming business with purpose.
For chefs who care about what they’re putting on the plate - and the story that comes with it - that difference is everything.
The Chef Behind the Story
For Claire Van Vuuren, great food begins long before it reaches the plate. It starts with relationships - with growers, with land, and with the people behind the produce.
At Elora Fine Farming, that connection is clear.
A shared belief in quality, transparency, and supporting the next generation of farming is what makes this partnership more than just produce - it’s purpose.
