ADVERTORIAL: KARMINE LEATHER

Karmine Leather aprons

Whether it’s in the kitchen or behind the bar, Karmine’s apron range has the hospitality industry covered.

FOR MORE THAN 30 years, Karmine Leather’s Founder Ray Borda has pioneered the use of kangaroo meat in Australia. After putting it on the menu, the skin was a natural byproduct.

Now, Karmine Leather is giving back to the hospitality industry in more ways than one by crafting kangaroo items such as knife sleeves, menu covers and aprons for many different types of venues. Aprons are an essential tool of the trade for those working in the food and beverage sector. The job requires staff to handle tough and at-times messy tasks, which means strength and durability is a must for uniforms. Both qualities can be found in kangaroo leather, which has long been praised for being a stronger, more lightweight and flexible option compared to cattle hide.

In addition, kangaroo leather is proven to be heat, water and stain resistant, making it a practical choice. Whether it is cooking with hot pans in a restaurant kitchen, making drinks behind the bar or serving customers on the floor, Karmine’s kangaroo leather aprons work perfectly in any industry setting.

Karmine Leather aprons and menu covers are used at Grünthal Brew & Udder Delights Cheese Cellar in South Australia. Founder Sheree Sullivan has seen the many benefits that come with the aprons, which are crafted from 100 per cent ethically and sustainably sourced kangaroo skin.

“We are using a full-bib floor apron which covers the chest and legs of our staff and Karmine makes our menu covers as well,” says Sullivan.

“One thing I really love is that it’s kangaroo, and I knew Karmine were attached to macro meats. For me, it was a way of using the whole animal.”

Easy care and longevity are two other benefits that come with Karmine Leather’s aprons. “They look so much better as an ongoing product for a year or two,” says Sullivan. “From a maintenance point of view, I love how you just wipe them and condition them as opposed to laundering and ironing to keep them looking nice. I think everyone is proud to wear their aprons because they look really good.”

The range includes two main styles: the classic apron and the deluxe pocket apron. Each option comes with a tea towel strap and large pockets. While the classic apron is an unfussy and original design, the deluxe pocket apron comes with a larger pocket with more room for tools. In addition, the style also comes with upgraded hardware and finishes that are available in antique brass or nickel with sizes ranging from S-XL.

For any business, brand identity and presentation are of the utmost importance. All aprons are easily customisable and come with the option to engrave a business name or logo and rearrange the pocket to create a product that is truly one of a kind.

The craftspeople who work in Karmine’s Adelaide workshop build trustworthy and longstanding relationships with venues, tailoring products to suit their everyday needs. “We had our logo added through an embossing procedure and we had the pockets moved so they function best for our team,” says Sullivan. “I was really impressed with the samples they dropped off and found it to be a seamless and positive experience.”

With the industry moving towards a more sustainable future, locality has always been important. Karmine Leather aims to be a part of the shift by providing thoughtfully made, bespoke items that will always have a place in Australia’s hospitality sector.

Each hide has unique individual markings that reflect the animal it came from, making each Karmine item a truly standalone piece. ■

For more information, visit karmineleather.com.au