The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW announced the champions of its 2023 Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Show on February 16.
Following four days of intense judging, which saw more than 500 entries go head-to-head across 95 classes — including categories such as cheese, yoghurt, gelato and sheep, goat, buffalo or camel milk products — 18 champion products were named.
This year the competition welcomed a range of new exhibitors, with first-time entrants making up 25 per cent of the exhibitor count.
From these new exhibitors, 51 medals were awarded, which is an outstanding result for first-time entrants.
Across the board, 368 medals were presented — 71 gold, 127 silver and 170 bronze medals.
Guest international judge Craig Gile said the range of cheeses available and the quality of judges was phenomenal.
“I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a lot of different contests throughout the world, and this has got to be one of the most interesting and well-organised contests I have been to,” Mr Gile said.
“What’s been great is the number of cheeses that you had; it’s a high number compared to a lot of contests.
“There were a lot of stunning cheeses, and it’s been great to get a little bit of experience on a lot of high-end cheeses that are a little bit different to how some of the US cheeses perform.
“The population out here must love big flavours, which is great.
“I noticed the cheddars tend to be a little sweeter than in the states, which works out really well with some of these long-aged cheeses that you’re doing.
“One of the big standouts, for me, was the high-end ingredients that were added into the cheese, which I don’t always see at different contests throughout the world — that was fantastic.
“I’ve also enjoyed having access to your high-end creams. I think that is one category you do even stronger than the US.”
RAS 15th Annual President’s Medal finalist Robertson’s (NSW) Pecora Dairy, reclaimed its 2021 title taking home Champion Cheese of Show for its Yarrawa cheese, while South Gippsland’s (Victoria) Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese showed its 2022 Champion Cheese of Show, Oak Blue, is still an award-winner by claiming Champion Specialty Cheese and a spot on the coveted Australian Cheeseboard once again.
For ice-cream fans, it was Elizabeth Town's (Tasmania) Van Diemans Land Creamery that impressed the judges with its Lemon Curd Ice-Cream winning Champion Full Cream Ice-Cream or Gelato, while Sydney’s (NSW) Gelateria Goldola took home Champion Low/Reduced Fat Ice-Cream or Gelato with its Frutto Della Passione.
Fonterra Australia claimed Champion Butter for its Duck River Premium Butter made in Smithton (Tasmania) and Brownes Dairy (WA) won Champion White Milk for its Brownes Lactose Free Full Cream Milk.
In addition to their award, top medal winners are given the opportunity to promote their product at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and may be chosen to supply their product at one of the many events that take place at Sydney Showgrounds throughout the year.
For the full list, visit: https://www.rasnsw.com.au/sydney-royal-competitions/competitions/cheese-dairy/