Meet Karen Lavecky, the forward-thinker who transformed a simple craving for better dumplings into a culinary empire.

As the founder of Land of Plenty Food Co., Karen transformed an innocent idea into an industry leader in the gourmet food market, all before its 25th anniversary. A testament to innovation and adaptability, here’s a glimpse into Land of Plenty; how it began, how it’s developed and how Fine Food Australia was able to support Karen along the way. 

A Not-So Small Idea on a Not-So Ordinary Day
Karen Lavecky’s entrepreneurial adventure began on a day that started like any other, “Originally, it was this epiphany that I had one day walking to my job, where I decided the world needed more dumplings.” This spark led her to create Lotus & Ming, a personally marketed line of gourmet dim sum tailored for the Western palate, and with an availability outside traditional Asian marketplaces.  

The Retail Breakthrough
The breakthrough came when a major retailer took a chance on her products: “David Jones took my product on about six months in and it catapulted us to recognition in that gourmet food market.” This milestone marked the beginning of her brand’s expansion beyond just Asian cuisine. Karen adapted her business model to meet broader market needs, developing Dim Sum & Co as a more value-driven brand for both retail and food service industries.

Transitioning to The Land of Plenty
As Karen’s business ventures gained momentum, the need for a more inclusive brand identity became apparent. She described the transition, saying, “Land of Plenty was born as the umbrella for all of the brands that we’ve created. The essence of that is that we truly are a land of plenty, and we focus on premium product using Australian produce wherever possible, celebrating all the ingredients that our country has to offer.” The move consolidated diverse culinary offerings under a single identity, moving beyond just Asian specialties to include a selection of gourmet products from European-style canapés to empanadas and arancini.

The Fine Food Connection
Fine Food Australia has played a consistent supporting role in Karen’s story, serving as a crucial platform for showcasing her company’s growth, pivots and innovation. Karen reflects on the event’s impact: “We use Fine Food Australia as an opportunity to show people how we’ve evolved, how we’ve grown and what we’re doing.” Her yearly attendance at the event hosts the opportunity to showcase Land of Plenty’s constant evolution and the generating and nurturing of support and connections within the industry. 

Karen’s philosophy emphasises the personal touch and potential in every interaction, even with those just starting out in their careers: “You’ll often get people that are students or college trainees or apprentices. And I always say to my team, those guys are your next executive chefs. So, you engage with them the same way that you would the head of an Exhibition Centre because you never know who is going to carry your name and carry you through.” 

As Land of Plenty continues to grow, entering an exciting acquisition phase, Karen remains dedicated to the core values that have guided her from the start. The brand’s participation in Fine Food Australia not only supports its industry standing but also communicates its commitment to connections, quality and constant innovation. Karen’s journey from an epiphany to an empire is a proud example of the culinary narratives that Fine Food Australia celebrates in its 40th year. 

This year, Land of Plenty Food are excited to be revealing their new brand acquisition, Belladotti. Visit their team during the show to explore their incredible range of products, that only continues to grow.