Thomas is also fussy. He only uses the finest Tasmanian farmed and game meats, local produce and evocative spices to make his range of sausages, hams, smoked and baked meats, pates and terrines. He meticulously follows the traditional family recipes passed down for generations to create his unique range of products. Sometimes he adds a modern twist to the sausage but he doesn’t like to tinker too much. He truly believes that “to keep the full flavour of natural produce, you should not alter nature itself”.

Since establishing Black Forest Smallgoods in 1999, Thomas has continued a long family tradition of fine smallgoods makers. No inferior or cheaper ingredients are allowed to compromise the real taste of the ingredients. No cereals, fillers or unnecessary additives are used either. And that means that Black Forest sausages, with a higher meat content, allow the full flavours and textures to dominate.

Through the Black Forest shop in the Launceston suburb of Invermay, Thomas has established a loyal and increasing fan base - many with a European background. They appreciate traditionally-styled meat products with a unique quality and flavour.