Unicorns Podcast: East 33 (ASX:E33) - the largest Sydney Rock Oyster producer in the world

The Unicorns Podcast connects you to some of the best and brightest founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, innovators, entrepreneurs and inspiring leaders who make things happen and inspire others.

Host Justin Kelly, former broadcast journalist and PR veteran, chats to leaders from across Australia and internationally on business strategy; what it takes to build a successful business; how to overcome challenges, and advice for those on a similar journey.

In this episode, Justin talks with Port Stephens based oyster farmer Brad Verdich from ASX listed Sydney rock oyster producer East 33 (ASX E33).

East 33’s collection of Sydney Rock Oysters are amongst the best oysters in the world. Easily identified by their beautiful royal purple shell, the Sydney Rock Oyster is Australia’s finest native oyster. Having grown naturally on the beautiful coastline of New South Wales, for thousands of years, they’re not made, they’re born. Born better and with a bolder taste, the East 33 Sydney Rock Oyster proves that the best things come in small packages.

Sydney Rock Oysters are one of the rarest types of oysters on the planet, making up just 1% of all commercially produced oysters globally. The majority, about 95%, are Pacific oysters.

Sydney Rock Oysters grow along the east coast of Australia and nowhere else in the world. Despite many farmers trying over many centuries, they just don’t like other conditions.

Sadly, this year’s stocks have been decimated by floods and a disease called QX that has killed 30% of all Sydney Rock Oyster production, limiting supply and putting future production in jeopardy.

In this episode Brad talks through how local farmers are coping, what we can do to help, how restaurants can make things better, and how farmers are fighting back.