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D.Jays General Manager Arron Zamel answers the most common questions about their beef jerky and biltong, covering everything from how the two products differ, what’s actually in them, how long they keep, whether they’re safe for kids and dogs, and how the company runs its day-to-day operations. If you’ve got a question about dried meat, this is the place to start.
In the 10 years that Arron Zamel has been at the helm of DJays Gourmet, he’s poured his heart and soul into entrenching the company as Australia’s leading supplier of packaged jerky and biltong – and there’s nothing about these two meaty treats that Arron doesn’t know.
We sat down with him to get answers to all the questions about biltong and jerky that we’ve always wanted to ask (even the curly ones like why jerky is expensive).
AZ: Look, jerky is certainly a healthier snack. It’s made from lean animal protein so it’s way better for you than sugary or carb-heavy foods like shop-bought cookies and lollies and it also contains heaps of other good things like iron, vitamin D and zinc. But as with all foods – you should munch beef and jerky in moderation and eat them as part of a balanced, healthy diet.
AZ: It’s really surprising how many people think they’re the same thing – but there are actually lots of differences including the fact that one originated in South Africa and the other in South America.
They’re made from different cuts of meat (chunks of beef for biltong and thin strips for jerky), they use different ingredients (jerky is marinated whilst biltong is just brined and spiced), the production process is different (biltong is air-dried naturally while jerky is cooked over heat) – plus they don’t have the same nutritional profile, taste or texture. You can read this article if you’re keen on learning more.
AZ: Most of our products don’t use preservatives – just simple ingredients like salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. But for one of our biltong varieties (the moister style), we do use a preservative to make sure it stays safe and fresh for longer. If clean ingredients matter to you (and we reckon they should), always check the label – we’re proud of what we put in, and what we leave out.
AZ: Of course! I’ve even heard of people giving their teething babies a stick of jerky to chew on to soothe their gums! Jerky’s the perfect meaty morsel for all ages.
AZ: I don’t know about you, but our dogs reign supreme in our home. What’s ours is theirs. And that means having to share our jerky and biltong with them – and it’s completely safe to do so. We also give them our famous DJays pet treats which we make in exactly the same way as we do our human treats…but if your dog requires a special diet or anything else, it’s best to check with your vet first.
AZ: For as long as you can resist it ha ha! Look, jerky can last for ages without special storage, but after two weeks of the package being opened, you should shift it to the freezer in an airtight bag to stop it from losing any of its yummy chewiness.
AZ: What do they say about dynamite in small packages? In all seriousness, some people may consider jerky to be a premium treat, but the reality is that you’re getting a really punchy low-fat, high-protein energy boost in every bite. And considering that our jerky is handcrafted from premium ingredients using the best quality beef around, my view is that the best things in life are worth it!
AZ: Ours is pure Aussie beef mate. Nothing but the best – plus we love supporting our local farming communities too.
AZ: Ah, there’s lots that we do behind the scenes like donating gift boxes to local organisations for raffles and prizes, sponsorships and supporting local charities and we’re always happy to help. We also support Aussie agriculture and local farming communities with the amazing ’Ag in a Box’ educational initiative.
Our footy tipping comp is another really fun way we engage with the community and our weekly prizes and the big one at the end of the season are always hotly contested! My tip is to sign up for our socials so you won’t miss the cut-off date for entries…go the Crows!
AZ: Good question. It’s a quality control thing. And a trust thing I guess. We only use beef because it means we can guarantee there won’t be any cross-contamination between different raw products and our customers can trust in our food standards.
AZ: The highest standards of food safety have always been a top priority for our team – even 40 years ago when the family started this business. Our operations are fully certified and we don’t waver from the HACCP guidelines so we can guarantee the integrity of our processes and the quality of our products. Why risk everything we’ve worked so hard for?
AZ: We sure do! Stubby holders, bottle openers, caps – just add them to your next order!
We had to let Arron go as there were a heap of online orders to be filled and he was needed in the factory – but before he left, he asked us to reiterate that he’s always happy to answer any questions about biltong or jerky. You’re welcome to contact him on 08 9248 8277 or you can check out the FAQs on our website.
Arron is always available to help – and this customer-focused approach along with all his knowledge, experience and close connection to South Africa (the home of biltong) – are some of the many reasons why he’s been our favourite GM for the last decade and why DJays dried meat products are Australia’s favourite!
Jerky and biltong are both dried beef snacks, but they’re made quite differently. Biltong comes from South Africa and is made by brining large chunks of beef and then air-drying them naturally. Jerky has South American origins and uses thin strips of beef that are marinated and then heat-dried. The result is two distinct products: biltong tends to be softer and more savoury, while jerky is chewier with a broader flavour range.
Once opened, D.Jays jerky and biltong will stay fresh at room temperature for around two weeks. After that, you can extend the shelf life by freezing the product. Unopened, the products are shelf-stable and last considerably longer. Check the best-before date on your pack.
Yes. D.Jays jerky and biltong are suitable for all ages, including young children. Biltong in particular, especially the softer, moist style, is gentle enough for teething babies. As with any food, portion it appropriately for the child’s age and size.
D.Jays Gourmet also makes pet treats specifically formulated for dogs. Their standard jerky and biltong are made from beef with natural ingredients, but the dedicated pet treat range is the safest option for your dog. Check the pet treats range on the website for options made with dogs in mind.
Most D.Jays Gourmet products use simple, natural ingredients: salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, with no added preservatives. One exception is the moist biltong, which includes a preservative to maintain shelf stability given its higher moisture content. Full ingredient lists are available on each product page.
Arron Zamel has been General Manager of DJays Gourmet since 2015 and under his expert leadership, the company has cemented its reputation as Australia’s leading supplier of packaged jerky and biltong.
His strong family connection to South Africa, his marketing and management degree from Monash University, his technical expertise plus his experience as a successful entrepreneur and import/export business owner made him the ideal candidate for the challenging position.
Additionally, Arron’s innovative approach to management, his proven brand-building credentials, his strong customer focus and youthful energy have ensured that DJays Gourmet’s high-quality biltong and jerky have become Australia's dried meat treats of choice.
He understands traditional South African flavours and the precision techniques required to create truly authentic biltong, jerky and droewors (dried sausage). Part of his job is overseeing operations at DJays' purpose-built facility in Perth, WA where tons of Australian beef goes into making premium dried meat products each month for distribution to retail and wholesale customers across Australia.
For more insights into Arron’s world, visit the DJays Gourmet website, check out their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram @djaysgourmet.